CALVARY-VIRGINIA 


TEAGEDIES 


BY 


LAUGIITON    OSBOEN 


NEW    YORK 
DOOLADY:    BROOME-STREET 

31  DCCC  LXVII 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1867,  by 

LAUGHTON   OSBORN 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States 
for  the  Southern  District  of  Now  York. 


JOHN   F.  TROW  &   Co., 

Printers  and  Stcrcotypers. 


By  an  error  of  the  pressvvork,  the  list  of  "  Characters  "  in  Calvary 
is  put  upon  the  back  of  the  "  Notice,"  instead  of  facing  the  first  page 
of  the  Tragedy . 

The  Publisher  greatly  regrets  this  blemish  of  an  otherwise  admi- 
rably printed  work ;  but  the  book  was  nearly  through  the  hands  of 
the  binder  before  it  was  discovered . 

The  error  will  be  easily  rectified  in  a  subsequent  edition. 


203, 


NOTICE 


TUB  two  pieces  here  presented  are  the  first  of  a  series  of  nineteeu, 
which,  with  the  exception  of  two,  are  now  completed  and  ready  for  the 
press ;  namely  : 

Calvary;  Virginia;  Hianca  Capello  ;  UgodaJSste;  Uberto ;  The 
Last  Mandeville ;  Matilda  of  Denmark ;  Meleager ;  Palamedes  ; 
CEnone  ;  PyrrJius,  Son  of  Achilles  ;  Don  Sancho  Ortiz.  Tragedies. 

The  Silver  Head;  The  Double  Deceit,  ;  The  Montanini  ;  The  Mag- 
netizer  ;  The  Prodigal ;  The  Double-dealer  ;  The  Dead  Alive.  Come- 
dies. 

The  next  to  be  published  will  be  Tlie  Silver  Head  and 
The  Double  Deceit :  Comedies. 


CHAKACTEP.S 

Primary 


JESUS  OF  NAZARETH. 

'  >    Archangels. 


RAPHAEL, 
MICHAEL 


CAIAPHAS,     High-Priest. 

PONTIUS  PILATUS,    Procurator  ofjudea. 

NIOODEMUS, 

JOSEPH  OF 

JUDAS  ISCARIOT. 


>  Of  the  Sanhedrim. 
JOSEPH  OF  ABIMATHEA,  )   v 


LUCIFEE. 
BEELZEBUB. 

MAEY,     Mother  of  Jesus. 
MARY  MAGDALENE. 
MARTHA. 

CHORUS  OF  ANGELS.  —  CHORUS  OF  EVIL  SPIEITS. 

Secondary 

A  CENTUBION.  A  SCRIBE. 

SIMON  PETER.   )  Three  WITNESSES. 

JOHN,  I 1***1*  °fjesus'         Certain  of  the  PEOPLE. 

AN  ELDER. 
A  SUB-CENTUEION.  —  MALCHUS,  Servant  of  the  High- Priest. 

Mute  Persons 

JAMES,    Disciple  of  Jeaus. 

Members  of  the  Sanhedrim.     Officers  in  attendance.    Soldiers 
of  the  Guard.    Lictors.     Servants.    People. 


CALVARY 


MDCCCLXIV 


OALYAEY 


ACT    THE    FIRST 

Scene  I.  Heaven. 
RAPHAEL.     MICHAEL.     CHORUS  OF  ANGELS. 

Raph.  Deep  gloom  is  over  Heaven  ;  the  Seraphim 
Have  veil'd  their  glowing  eyes. 
Their  song  of  praise,  that  wont  to  rise 
In  gratitude  and  joy  of  heart  to  Him, 
In  sorrow  now  and  awful  reverence  dies. 

Mich.  The  ever-burning  lights  around  the  Throne, 
No  longer  whirling  their  concentric  fireSj 
Grow  lix'd  and  languid-pale  : 
The  flame  within,  till  now  that  changeless  shone, 
Whose  blaze  not  even  we  could  gaze  upon, 
And  none  approach,  no  more  the  vault  aspires, 
But  sinking  seems  to  fail. 

Raph.  And  hark !  that  voice  of  more  than  wail, 
1 


CALVABY. 

That  breathes  responsive  to  the  plaintive  tone 
Struck  from  the  golden  wires. 

CHORUS. 

The  hour  of  Earth  is  approaching, 
That  solemn  predestinate  time, 
When  the  thankless  children  of  Jacob 
Complete  their  long  record  of  crime ; 
When  the  Lord,  who  from  Heaven  descended 
Adam's  forfeit  of  sin  to  assume, 
His  mournful  humanity  ended, 
Shall  be  laid  in  a  human  tomb. 

O  sorrow  of  sorrows  exceeding, 

That  our  eyes  should  be  destin'd  to  see 

The  Son  of  the  Highest  stretch'd  bleeding 

In  pain  on  the  infamous  tree  ! 

Though  the  tears,  the  long  anguish  are  healing, 

Though  those  blood-drops  anoint  for  the  skies, 

Yet  can  we  behold  without  feeling 

His  wounds,  hear  unecho'd  his  sighs  ? 

Would,  would  we  might  not  hear,  not  see  them, 

That  our  hearts  were  not  conscious  before 

Of  those  death-throes,  or  conscious  might  flee  them, 

Till  the  night  of  this  anguish  were  o'er ! 

Till,  the  shadows  of  death  away  driven, 

And  the  pathway  of  Earth  no  more  trod, 

The  Lord  should  ascend  his  own  Heaven, 

And  sit  at  the  right  hand  of  God. 


ACT  I.    SC.  1. 

i.  But  for  the  gloom  of  night, 
The  effulgence  of  their  day-star  when  arisen 
"Would  waken  in  Earth's  children  no  delight. 
When  from  the  tomb's  black  prison 
The  Lord  in  his  own  nature  mounts  the  skies, 
The  consciousness  of  that  dread  sacrifice 
"Will  make  his  glory  to  our  tearful  eyes 
And  swelling  hearts  more  bright. 
Mich.  But  oh  the  interval !  to  see  that  sight, 
When  on  the  cross  the  Lord  of  Heaven  dies. 


CIIOEUS  —  receding. 

Though  the  tears,  the  long  anguish  are  healing, 
Though  those  blood-drops  anoint  for  the  skies, 
Yet  can  we  behold  without  feeling 
His  wounds,  hear  unecho'd  his  sighs  ? 

Would,  would  we  might  not  hear,  not  see  them, 

That  our  hearts  were. not  conscious  before 

Of  those  death-throes,  or  conscious  might  flee  them, 

Till  the  night  of  this  anguish  were  o'er ! 

Till,  the  shadows  of  death  away  driven, 

And  the  pathway  of  Earth  no  more  trod, 

The  Lord  should  ascend  his  own  Heaven, 

And  sit  at  the  right  hand  of  God. 


CALVARY. 

SCENE  II. 
Before  the  Procurators  Palace,  at  Jerusalem. 

PONTLUS.    CAIAPHAS. 

Pont.  I  see  it  not.     Is  your  religion  true, 

Be  this  man's  doctrine  false  it  mars  it  not, 
If  right  it  aids  it.     'Tis  your  bigot  creed. 
We  Gentiles  have  a  faith  more  mild  and  broad : 
It  persecutes  not,  and  admits  all  gods. 

Caia.  Because  your  gods  are  creatures  of  the  brain. 
Ours  is  the  dread  I  AIT,  that  was  and  is, 
And  ever  shall  be,  sole  and  sempiterne, 
As  was  reveal'd  in  thunder  from  the  cloud, 
'Mid  lightnings,  when  the  mountain  shook  and  smok'd, 
Where  Moses  stood  on  Sinai. 

Pont.  Thou  hast  heard, 
Our  Sabine  Nurna  had  his  nymph  as  well, 
That  taught  him  without  thunder.     'Tis  one  thing, — 
Priestcraft  and  statecraft  join'd,  to  bind  an  age 
That  was  not  docile  and  had  scouted  Truth 
In  her  grand  nakedness.     I  blame  it  not, 
Albeit  your  great  law-maker  should  have  feign'd 
The  Godhead  mightier  than  to  tire  so  soon 
And  need  a  Sabbath.     N\>,  the  gods  of  Kome 
Are  not  vain  fictions ;  they  but  shape  us  out 
The  attributes  divine,  and  we  who  kneel 
Do  homage  to  these  separate,  you  in  mass. 
This  Jesus  teaches  what  the  wise  and  good 
Have  taught  in  every  creed  and  from  all  time. 


ACT  I.    SC.  2.  O 

He  would  in  Kome  be  revercnc'd  if  a  sage, 

If  a  mere  sophist  laugh'd  at  and  let  go 

As  harmless. 

Gala.  And  a  breaker  of  the  laws  ! 
Pont.  lie  bids  the  people  everywhere  obey  them. 
Caia.  [with  irritation.']  He  is  a  vile  impostor,  and  pretends 

To  work  out  miracles  and  heal  by  touch 

And  word  diseases. 

Pont.  Eather  say,  he  does. 

There  is  a  brave  centurion,  now  within, — 

Wouldst  thou  inquire  ?  will  tell  thee  on  that  point. 

By  Hercules!  he  paints  me  snch  a  scene 

That  I  myself  might  find  it  in  my  heart 

To  tremble  and  believe. 

Caia.  For  the  belief, 

Even  as  thou  wilt ;  but  think  whereon  thou  stand'st, 

And  tremble,  noble  Pontius,  with  a  fear 

That  were  more  politic  and  less  devout. 

Thou  hast  heard,  thou  hast  seen  indeed,  and  knowest 
as  well, 

What  an  unruly  and  seditious  race 

Our  people  are,  still  hankering  for  their  kings, 

And  easily  led  by  all  who  promise  such. 

"Witness  the  robber  Ezekias'  son, 

And  Simon,  who  was  simply  the  king's  slave, 

And  the  obscure  Athronges  and  his  brothers. 

Did  not  this  last  achieve,  and  for  a  time 

Actually  wield,  the  power  of  a  king, 

And  do  great  damage  to  the  Roman  troops  ? 
Pont,  But  that  was  when  nor  king  nor  ethnarch  reign'd. 


CALVARY. 

And  with  what  promptness  Varus  put  him  down! 
Caia.  Because  it  was  tumultuous  revolt 

And  had  too  many  head*.    But  here  is  one, 
Who  works  by  moral  power,  and  slowly  moves, 
But  surely,  onward  to  a  greater  aim 
With  loftier  pretensions.     Need  I  warn  thee 
We  are  a  haughty  people,  restive  ever 
Under  a  foreign  yoke  ? 

Pont.  By  Castor,  no  ! 
But  I  shall  make  it  heavier  on  their  necks, 
If  the  team  struggle.    'T  is  not  very  long 
Since  the  hid  daggers  of  my  faithful  men 
Made  mute  their  bellow.1 

Caia.  Please  thee,  hear  awhile. 
This  is  no  rude  pretender,  no  arm'd  brawler, 
But  a  most  cunning  man,  of  gentle  manners 
And  of  seducing  eloquence,  who  claims 
Descent  by  David  from  our  line  of  kings, 
And  to  be  that  Messiah  under  whom 
We  are  to  have  our  laws  again  and  triumph 
Over  all  onr  foes. 

Pont.  If  that  be  over  Kome, 
Your  land  must  grow,  and  every  Jewish  captain 
Be  multiplied  a  thousand  fold. 

Caia.  Of  yore 

We  counted  not  the  number  when  Jehovah 
Commanded  to  the  fight.     If  this  false  prophet 
Persuade  the  people  he  is  their  rightful  prince, 
How  long  think'st  thou  they'd  hesitate  to  strive, 
God-driven,  as  they  'd  deem  it,  to  break  down 


ACT  I.    SC.  2. 

All  obstacles  that  bar  him  from  the  throne  ? 

Hast  thou  forgot  the  self-call'd  Alexander, 

Who  claim'cl  to  be  the  son  of  Herod  king  ? 

Flock'd  the  Jews  round  him  when  he  came  to  Rome, 

And  bore  him  on  a  litter  through  the  streets, 

Deck'd  as  beseems  a  king,  there,  even  there, 

In  your  imperial  city. 

Pont.  "Where  his  robes 
Fell  from  him  and  the  litter  bore  no  more, 
And  shame  succeeded  to  the  popular  joy. 

Caia.  But  after  plague  to  Csosar.     As  a  friend 

To  thy  great  master,  thou  should'st  clear  his  path 
From  every  pebble  that  may  make  it  rough  : 
And  this  is  one. 

Pont.  To  pieces  break  it  then : 
Crush  it,  and  rid  me  of  the  dust.  —  But,  sooth, 
Deem'st  thou  this  Jesus  dangerous  ? 

Caia.  In  sooth, 

I  know  not,  care  not.     This  alone  I  know, 
The  people  must  be  quiet,  and  one  man 
May  well  be  made  a  sacrifice  for  more. 

Pont.  True  policy,  for  ruler  as  for  priest. 

Do  as  thou  wilt ;  but  when  thou  hast  done  all 

Whence  is  the  victim  ? 

Caia.  Where  born,  meanest  thou  ? 
He  is  a  Galilean. 

Pont.  Send  him  then 
To  Antipas  for  sentence ;  that  the  blood 
Of  his  seditious  subjects,  shed  by  me, 
May  no  more  be  betwixt  us.2     So,  farewell. 


CALVARY. 

SCENE  III. 

A  room  in  the  dwelling  of  Jesus'1  Mother. 
JESUS.     MARY. 

Mary.  And  canst  thou  speak  with  calmness,  when  my  heart 
Is  aching  for  tliee?     Jesus,  O  my  son ! 
Think  on  thy  mother,  and  avoid  the  storm 
That  now  is  darkening  o'er  thee,  and  whose  shadow 
Makes  my  blood  curdle  with  the  chill  of  death. 
For  my  sake,  O  my  darling ! 

Jesus.  Shall  the  palm 

Say  to  the  fruit  that  leaves  the  parent  stem, 
Think  on  thy  mother?     When  its  time  is  come, 
It  drops  from  over-ripeness,  and  the  tree 
Knows  it  no  more.    Deem'st  thou  the  Son  of  Man 
Can  flee  the  hour  appointed  from  all  time  ? 
He  who  is  busy  with  my  Father's  work 
Must  not  be  laggard,  and  not  heed  the  rain, 
Nor  howling  wind,  nor  thunder. 

Mary.  Still  thou  speakest 
As  if  thou  aye  wert  toiling  at  the  work 
Thou  dost  no  more  and  hast  not  done  for  years. 
Who  is  thy  father,  who  thy  brethren,  son? 

Jesus.  My  Father  is  the  Word  that  sent  me  hither, 
My  brethren  are  the  Children  of  the  Word. — 
Let  me  be  gone :  behold,  the  night  is  deepening, 
The  hour  is  nigh  when  I  must  watch  and  pray. 
Pray  thou  too ;  for  the  cup  that  I  shall  drink 
Will  leave  its  dregs  for  theo. 


ACT  I.    SC.  3.  .          9 

Mary.  Give  me  it  all, 
Or  let  me  share  it  with  thee ! 

Jesus.  Thou  ?  my  cup  ? 
The  ringdove  pray'd  the  eagle,  Let  me  soar 
Unto  the  clouds  with  thee  and  share  thy  nest. 
Poor  timid  wood-bird,  yet  her  tender  eyes 
Could  not  endure  the  sun,  nor  her  soft  wings 
Sustain  her  to  his  eyrie.     What  I  am 
Thou  canst  not  be,  O  woman,  nor  canst  follow 
Whither  I  go.     But  watch  thou  here,  and  pray, 
As  I  shall  do  where  T  must  watch  and  wrestle. 
And  may  that  bosom,  where  I  once  was  laid 
Quiet  and  happy,  be  more  calm  than  mine. 
Mary.  Stay  yet  a  little.     By  that  happy  time 

Thou  hast  thyself  remember'd,  when  these  breasts 

That  now  are  wither'd  fed  thee  from  my  blood, 

I  do  adjure  thee!     Thou  hast  call'd  me  Mother 

With  that  sweet  voice,  although  again  the  tone 

That  is  so  stern  and  lofty,  when  thou  speakest 

Those  riddles  that  I  dare  not  try  to  solve, 

Has  aw'd  and  check'd  me,  —  thou  hast  call'd  me  Mother. 

I  am  thy  mother,  Jesus,  and  my  heart 

Warms  to  thee  now  as  when  I  first  beheld  thee 

After  my  weary  travail ;  see  me  now 

Embrace  thy  feet,  and  pray  thee  as  my  god, 

For  my  sake,  for  thy  own ! 

Jesus.  What  is  it,  mother  ? 

Thy  prayer  is  broken  by  sobs.     So  —  let  me  lift  thee. 
Thy  tears  are  on  my  hands.     This  should  not  be. 
Were  I  a  soldier,  and  the  trump  of  war 
1* 


10  CALVARY. 

Summoned  to  instant  fight,  thou  vvouldst  not  strive, 
Even  though  thy  heart  were  breaking,  to  detain  me. 
Why  shouldst  tliou  then  when  now  my  Father's  voice 
Calls  me  to  combat  demons  and  to  wrestle 
In  spirit  with  that  weakness  of  the  flesh 
Which  I  must  share  with  all  of  women  born  ? 
To-morrow  thou  wilt  see  me  once  again  ; 
But  where,  O  mother  ! 

Enter  MAKTHA. 

Martha,  is  it  thou  ? 

What  brings  thee  to  Jerusalem  ?    Art  thou  come 
To  give  me  warning  as  my  mother  does, 
And  strive  to  shake  my  purpose  ? 

Martha.  Not  so,  Lord. 

Who  can  do  that  ?    But  neither,  when  we  pray, 
Do  we  pretend  to  arrest  or  modify 
The  will  of  the  Almighty.    Yet  the  sentry, 
Who  but  obeys,  and  has  no  voice  in  counsel, 
Gives  warning  of  new  danger  to  his  chief. 

Jesus.  Thou  hast  spoken,  Martha,  loyally  and  well. 
But,  in  that  faith  and  wisdom,  seest  thou  not 
That  I  should  need  no  warning  ?     Even  now 
The  heart  that  shall  betray  me  is  convuls'd 
With  its  distracting  passions,  and  the  hand 
Is  itching  for  the  silver  that  shall  buy 
My  body  for  the  cross.    It  is  decreed. 

Mary.  Mean'st  thou  this  fully  ?     Canst  thou  still  so  calmly 

Speak  what  to  credit  is My  son !  my  son  ! 

Kneel  with  me,  Martha !     He  has  love  for  thee. 


ACT  I.    SC.  3.  11 

Tell  him  he  kills  me !     Tell  him  ! Jesus,  son! 

Have  mercy  on  me !     Save  thyself —  and  me ! 
Jesus.  Thou  hearest,  Father!    Strengthen  this  weak  heart! 
Marth.  Lord,  thou  hast  fled  before,  when  danger  dogg'd  thee. 

Now,  that  the  hounds  are  near  to  lap  thy  blood, 

"Why  shouldst  thou  stand  at  bay  ? 

Jesus.  At  bay  I  do  not. 

I  am  no  deer  before  the  hunters,  Martha, 

I  am  the  Lamb  of  Sacrifice.     Before, 

The  altar  was  not  deck'd,  the  hour  not  come. 

Stay  with  my  mother,  Martha,  and  console  her. 

Stay,  and  pray  with  her.    "Wait  what  ye  shall  hear. 

Simon  and  James  and  John  are  coming  for  me : 

Their  footsteps  sound  already  nigh  the  door. 

The  blessing  of  my  Father  be  upon  you. 

Mother,  and  sister  before  God,  farewell ! 


12  CALVARY. 

ACT    THE    SECOND 

Scene  I.  Hell 
LUCIFER.    BEELZEBUB.     CHOECS  OF  EVIL  SPIRITS. 


Onward  strides  the  time, 

When  the  Prince  of  Heaven, 

For  whose  sake  down-driven 

From  the  heights  sublime 

Hitherward  we  fell, 

Shall  with  human  anguish, 

Wo  divine  as  well, 

For  a  spell, — 

Though  the  weight  decrease  not 

Of  the  bootless  crime 

Crush'd  by  which  we  dwell 

Here  in  Hell,  — 

By  his  sharp  partaking 

Lighter  make  the  aching, 

Changeless  which  and  fell 

Makes  us  groan  and  languish, 

Ever  though  we  cease  not 

To  rebel. 

Flames  that  circle  Hell, 
Lift  your  waves  rejoicing, 


ACT  II.    SC.   1.  13 

With  your  roar  loud-voicing 
What  we  feel  so  well, 
O'er  the  wo  of  Heaven, 
Whence  we  fell. 

Lucif.  Near-sighted  as  ill-fated,  why  rejoice? 
Saw  ye  as  far  as  I  do,  your  parch'd  throats 
Would  give  emission  to  a  direr  voice, 
More  like  the  wail  above  than  that  which  floats 
Now  on  Hell's  vapor,  as  your  sooty  wings, 
Confin'd  by  yon  sheer  walls  and  fire-flood  moats, 
Scour  painfully  the  region  not  your  choice. 
I  cannot  sympathize  with  those  vain  cries. 

Beelz.  Yet  hope  of  vengeance  prompts  the  note  each  sings 
In  wo  elate, 

Knowing  the  sorrow  which  decree:!  by  fate, 
This  hoxir  of  Earth,  man's  crime  on  Heaven  brings. 
Ere  twice  on  that  small  planet  which  we  hate 
The  star  that  gilds  its  meanness  shall  arise, 
The  Immortal,  who  forsook  his  envy'd  state 
To  bear  a  mortal's  forfeit,  dies. 

Lucif.  Ay,  for  a  race  that  are  not  worth  the  throes 
They  cost  their  mothers,  shall  this  son  of  God, 
Whom  we  refus'd  to  worship,  bear  the  blows 
Of  bestial  human  hands,  the  servile  rod, 
And  all  the  filth  of  contumely  man 
Heaps  in  his  hate,  his  envy,  or  disgust, 
On  his  own  fellows,  though  not  worse  than  he, 
Saving,  as  chance  may  will  it,  in  degree, 
Since  all  are  worthless  as  their  Earth's  own  dust, — 


14  CALVARY. 

For  these  vile  reptiles  lie  shall  even  die, 
T.o  give  them  —  them !  our  immortality  ! 
So  be  it,  if  it  must. 
But  I  shall  thwart  the  planner  and  the  plan. 

Seels.  Even  yet  ? 

Lucif.  Even  yet  I  trust. 
This  god,  his  godborn  nature  laid  aside, 
Partook  the  woman's  from  whose  bowels  he  sprung 
Into  that  meaner  being.     Hence  have  clung 
To  his  dimm'd  soul  her  weaknesses,  ally'd 
"With  something  of  the  godhead's  fire  and  pride, 
Which  flit  its  duller  particles  among 
Like  meteors  in  Earth's  darkness.     Thus  my  power 
Already  hath  tbe  changeling  once  defy'd. 
But  now  a  better  hour 
Approaches,  and  again  the  same  temptation, 
With  loftier  aim  and  surer  expectation, 
May  make  his  past  endurance  idle  pain, 
And  we,  who  for  his  sake  bear  Heaven's  chain, 
Shall  Heaven  deride. 

Beelz.  Hark,  ominous  the  song  of  exultation, 

Borne  by  the  blast,  floats  lightly  to  our  side ! 

CHORUS  —  in  the  distance. 

Flames  that  circle  Hell, 
Lift  your  waves  rejoicing, 
With  your  roar  loud-voicing 
What  we  feel  so  well, 
O'er  the  wo  of  Heaven, 
Whence  we  fell. 


ACT  II.    SC.  2.  15 

SCENE  II. 
The  abode  of  Mary  Magdalene. 

JtJDAS  ISCAKIOT.       MART  MAGDALENE. 

Judas.  The  night  is  chilly.     Hast  thou  not  a  coal 
To  feed  the  brazier  ?    Not  one  drop  of  wine  ? 
Ugh  !  and  the  lamp  looks  dying.     Where  is  gone 
The  shekel  that  I  gave  thee  yesternight  ? 

Mcgd.  Be  not  displeas'd,  dear  Judas.     I  bestow'd  it 
But  as  the  Master  seem'd  to  say  we  ought : 
I  cast  it  in  the  Treasury. 

Judas.  Like  that  widow 
Whose  paltry  mites  he  made  of  more  account 
Than  all  the  rest,  because  they  were  her  all. 
So  thou  must  give  thy  all !     Of  many  fools 
Of  Magdala,  thou,  Mary,  art  the  best. 
Why  not  have  gone  at  once  to  the  perfumer's, 
Like  thy  Bethanian  namesake,  and  anoint 
His  yellow  locks,  or  even  smear  his  feet, 
As  I  have  seen  thee  sweep  them  oftentimes 
With  these  long  delicate  hairs  (I  could  defile  them!) 
He  would  have  thought  still  more  of  it. 

Magd.  For  shame ! 
Thou  speakest  of  our  Lord,  the  Christ,  our  King. 

Judas.  I  know  not  that :  I  know  that  I  am  weary 
Of  waiting  for  his  kingdom,  which  I  thought 
Would  make  us  rich  at  least,  —  both  thee  and  me. 
That  starv'd  look  worries  me :  and  oh,  the  chill 
Of  this  unwholesome  lodging !     With  that  shekel 
Thou  might'st  have  bought  us  fire  and  light  and  food. 


16  CALVARY. 

Magd.  Vex  not  thy  soul  for  me ;  I  am  content. 
That  bit  of  coin  has  bought  us  better  fare 
In  the  new  kingdom,  which  is  yet  to  come, 
And  is  not  earthly. 

Judas.  Who  says  that?  who  thinks  it? 
None  of  us  save  you  women.    Name  one  else. 
Not  the  hot-headed  James,  not  pale-ey'd  John, 
Whom  I  left  leaning  on  the  Master's  breast,  — 
(He  favors  him  because  of  his  fair  face, 
As  he  does  thee,  —  but  I  despise  the  boy)  — 
None  of  these  overzealous  "sons  of  thunder," 
As  thy  Lord  terms  them,  for  a  single  day 
Would  sail  from  town  to  town  and  Tribe  to  Tribe, 
Backwards  and  forwards,  in  his  changing  wake, 
But  for  this  promis'd  kingdom.     If  he  be 
The  true  Messiah  and  our  hop'd-for  Prince, 
Why  does  he  not  ascend  his  throne  in  glory 
And  make  us  lords  and  rich? 

Magd.  Bethink  thee,  Judas, 
How  he  reprov'd  Salome.     Yet  who  else, 
If  not  his  kinsfolk,  might  aspire  so  well 
To  sit  beside  him,  if  that  throne  and  glory 
Were  of  this  earth.     If  then  both  James  and  John 

Judas.  Accursed  be  he  !  —  Look  not  so  aghast. 
I  have  good  cause  of  anger.     In  his  ear 
The  Master  said  what  had  respect  to  me  ; 

For  both  look'd  on  me 

Magd.  What  was  said?     Why  pause? 
Why  art  thou  discomposed  ? 

Judas.  It  is  the  lamp 


ACT  II.    SC.  2.  17 

Deepens  the  shadow  on  my  face,  as  thine. 

It  will  go  out.     Hast  thou  no  oil  to  feed  it  ? 
Magd.  ISTone.  Mind  it  not.  The  moonlight  through  the  lattice 

"Will  he  enough. 

Judas.  No  oil,  no  food,  no  fire  ? 

And  I  have  nothing  —  or  dare  touch  no  more. 

What  wonder  I  am  discompos'd? 

Magd.  But  that 

Is  not  the  cause.     Thou  wast  at  entering.    Judas ! 

What  was  there  said  against  thee  at  the  feast  ? 
Judas.  How  should  I  know  ?     The  Master  had  pronounc'd 

That  one  of  us  —  did  evil.     All  inquir'd, 

But  only  unto  John  was  answer  given, 

And  that  was  whisper'd ;  and  John  look'd  at  me. 

I  shortly  slipp'd  away,  and,  in  a  word, 

Thou  mayst  imagine  it,  being  put  to  shame 

Before  them  all. 

Magd.  Believ'st  thou,  Judas  dear, 

It  was  because  of  me  He  found  thee  evil  ? 
Judas.  No,  as  thou  wast  forgiven  a  greater  sin, 

When  the  chaste  rabble  brought  thee  out  to  stone ; 

And  now  being  husbandless Why  dost  thou  weep  ? 

Thou  knowest  I  love  thee,  Mary,  and  should  love, 

Hadst  thou  thy  seven  devils  in  thee  still. 

This  is  so  small  an  imp.  thy  care  for  me  ! 
Magd.  It  is  for  that  I  weep,  not  that  thou  mock'sc  me, 

For  there  is  something  bitter  in  thy  smile 

That  marks  thee  ill  at  ease. 

Judas.  It  is  the  cold. 

It  is  that  sinking  lamp  which  makes  me  grim. 


18  CALVABY. 

'T  will  leave  us  soon  in  darkness.     Is  it  that 

Makes  thee  so  pale  ?    When  hast  thou  tasted  food  ? 

Magd.  It  is  no  matter ;  I  urn  not 

Judas.  Speak  truly : 

When  hast  thou  eaten  ? 

Magd.  Not  since  yester  eve. 
Judas.  When  thou  hadst  money !     This  must  be  no  more. 

Thou  shalt  have  food.     And  there  !  the  lamp  is  out ! 

And  we  are  left  in  darkness  with  the  devils. 

It  suits  my  purpose.     I  am  now  resolv'd. 
Magd.  Judas !     Where  art  thou  ?    Do  not  leave  me  thus ! 

What  is  thy  purpose  ?     What  hast  thou  resolv'd  ? 

Oh  Heaven! — Thou  art  not  gone  yet.    Answer  me. 

Judas ! 

Judas.  Thou  shalt  have  more  than  food.     Farewell. 


ACT  III.  SC.  1.  19 

ACT  THE  THIRD 

SCENE  I.     The  Palace  of  the  High-Priest. 
The  Chief-Priest,  Elders  and  Scribes  in  Council. 

CAIAPHAS.     UICODEMUS. 
JOSEPH  or  AEIMATHEA.    AN  ELDER. 

Caia.  What  you  propound  is  just.     The  antique  pomp 
Of  our  God-taught  religion ;  the  deep  awe 
That  fell  upon  the  people  from  the  Ark 
And  made  our  function  heaven-like ;  the  respect 
Paid  to  you,  Elders,  and  the  potent  voice 
Of  you,  the  wise  in  law  ;  all  these,  the  soul 
And  ornate  body  of  our  form  of  state, 
"Will  have  their  power,  which  knows  not  yet  senescence, 
Palsy'd  with  premature  decay,  and  soil'd 
With  popular  contempt  their  grand  adornment, 
If  this  half-craz'd  fanatic  be  allow'd 
To  gather  mobs  and  agitate  reform. 
The  life  of  our  old  polity  at  stake, 
Shall  we  stand  timidly  to  face  a  scruple 
That,  were  the  life  of  simple  men  involv'd, 
Would  on  the  instant  be  o'erleap'd  ?     The  law 
Of  nature,  and  the  law  our  fathers  made, 
Taught  by  the  God  of  Sinai,  both  demand 
The  quenching  of  this  firebrand,  which  has  flar'd 
And  threat en'd  conflagration  all  too  long. 

Nicod.  Before  we  call  for  water,  were  't  not  wise 


20  CALVARY. 

To  inquire  if  the  brand  be  really  such, 
Or  if  it  burn  not  with  innocuous  fire, 
That  gives  out  heat,  but  only  then  destroys 
When  the  winds  rage  against  it  ?    Doth  the  law 
Our  fathers  made  give  anywhere  the  right 
To  sentence  even  incendiaries  unheard  ? 

Caia.  'T  is  not  a  question  of  the  law  ;  't  is  not, 
I  dare  to  assert  it,  even  one  of  right : 
It  is  to  inquire  if  we  have  in  ourselves 
The  power  to  save  ourselves  ;  if  this  great  court, 
Time-honor'd,  and  deserving  in  itself 
Of  honor,  has  the  manhood,  life  yet  left, 
To  pluck  away  with  its  own  hands  the  thorn 
From  out  the  festering  body  of  the  State, 
Or  will  permit  tlie  Koman  intervene, 
Giving  his  sword  new  scope  to  lop  a\vay 
What  little  of  autonomy  remains. 

Jos.  Arim.  No,  were  there  such  a  danger.     But  this  man 
Aims  not  to  stir  sedition.     I  am  myself 
With  eye  and  ear  a  witness,  Jesus  now 
Is  but  what  all  our  prophets  were  of  old, 
In  days  when  we  had  prophets  and  they  taught. 
And  for  his  teaching  shall  we  stone  him  now, 
As  they  ston'd  prophets  in  the  days  of  old  ? 

Caia.  Thou  art  thy.-elf,  as  Nicodetnus  here, 
A  favorer  of  the  Nazarene.     God  grant 
Ye  both  become  not  something  more. 

Nicod.  What's  that  ? 

His  followers  ?     If  to  love  the  right,  to  stand 
By  the  oppress'd,  though  men  of  Galilee, 


ACT  III.    SO.  1.  21 


To  welcome  truth,  good-sense  and  moral  lore, 
Although  Samaria  taught  them,  and  to  own 
We  never  had  more  need  of  all  than  now, — 
If  this  be  following,  then  should  I  be  proud 
To  tread  in  Jesus'  footsteps,  and  as  much 
I  think  will  he  of  Arimathea  say. 
Elder.  "What  profits  this  dissension?     And,  in  time, 
Lo,  one  is  here  who  craves  to  be  admitted 
On  business  of  concern. 

Caia.  Let  him  come  in. 

Enter  JUDAS  ISOARIOT,  conducted  by  an  usher. 

Nicod.  [to  Jos.  Arim.]  What  a  vile  look  he  wears !  I  have 

seen,  methinks, 

That  face  before,  but  surely  not,  as  now, 
Troubled  and  full  of  mischief. 

Jos.  Arim.  'T  is  the  awe 
Inspired  by  our  assemblage.     On  he  comes, 
Abject,  but  throwing  furtive  looks  around, 
Full  of  an  evil -meaning.     Surely  too 
I  have  seen  him  elsewhere.     'T  is  —  one  of  the  twelve 
That  follow  Jesus  constantly. 

Nicod.  Thus  here, 

And  with  that  look,  his  coming  bodes  no  good 
Unto  his  Master. 

Jos.  Arim.  Hush ;  they  have  made  him  stop. 
And  now  the  high-priest  waves  his  hand. 

Caia.  Stand  there. 

Fellow,  who  art  thou?    And  what  brings  thee  here? 
Judas.  A  matter  of  grave  import  to  the  State. 


22  CALVARY. 

Caia.  So  we  were  told ;  else  hackt  thou  not  got  in. 
Speak  out. 

Judas.  I  am  a  follower,  or  have  been, 
Of  Him  of  Galilee. 

Caia.  A  traitor,  then. 
Nicod.  [to  Jos.  Arim.]  No  doubt. 

Judas.  I  am  not  to  the  Sanhedrim, 
Nor  yet  to  Eome. 

Caia.  Thou  art  bold. 

Judas.  I  have  need  to  be 
Who  come  on  such  a  work. 

Caia.  And  that  ? 

Judas.  To  give 
Into  your  power  the  Master. 

Caia.  Jesus? 

Judas.  Him. 

Caia.  "What  are  thy  motives?     "What  dost  thou  propose? 
Speak  quickly ;  and  be  brief. 

Judas.  Despair,  disgust, 
Resentment,  want  of  money :  there  you  have 
My  motives,  if  I  know  them.     You  desire 
To  arrest  the  Rabbi  Jesus. 

Caia.  "Without  noise. 
Judas.  I  understand  it  so,  and  so  propose. 
"What  will  ye  give  me  if  within  the  hour 
I  make  you  masters  of  his  body? 

Caia.  How? 

Judas.  By  showing  where  he  may  be  found  alone, 
Or  with  his  followers  only. 

Caia.  Thou  shalt  have 


ACT.  III.    S(J.   1.  23 

Thirty  full  shekels. 

Judas.  'T  is  a  niggard  price. 
Nicod.  For  a  vile  object. 

Judas.  Is  the  object  vile, 

Why  then  employ  me? 

Caia.  Thou  art  not  suborn'd. 

Know,  thou  irreverent  fellow,  that  with  thee 

The  object  may  indeed  be  vile,  and  is ; 

For  thou  betrayest  who  trusteth  thee,  and  makest 

Thy  friend's  sore  damage  turn  to  thy  behoof. 

With  us,  who  are  the  guardians  of  the  State, 

And  the  ordain'd  custodians  of  its  laws, 

The  act  of  using  thee,  whereby  we  save 

The  State  from  jeopardy  and  check  i'  the  midst 

The  infraction  of  the  law,  is  worthy  praise. 

Tak'st  thou  the  shekels?  lendest  thou  thy  aid? 

Speak.     But  be  cautious  in  thy  phrase. 

Judas.  I  had 

No  thought  to  be  irreverent.    Forgive  me. 

Why  should  it  be  accounted  in  me  vile, 

That,  seeing  my  error,  and  enamour'd  still 

Of  the  fair  faith  our  fathers  taught,  and  tired 

Of  vagabondage,  fearing  too  the  ills 

Which  the  free  doctrine  of  the  poor  man's  rights, 

Encourag'd  in  his  envy  of  the  rich 

And  taught  to  deem  himself  preferred  of  Heaven, 

.    Might  cause  in  our  sedition-loving  race 

Caia.  Tak'st  thou  the  thirty  shekels?     Ay,  or  no? 
Judas.  It  is  too  little  for  so  great  a  work. 
Caia.  Then  we  arrest  thee  as  confederate  with 


24  CALVAKY. 


The  dangerous  Galilean.    Take  thy  choice, 
Betraying  or  betray'd. 

Judas.  I  have  no  choice  : 
She  whom  I  cherish  wants  for  common  hread. 

Caia.  That  concerns  thee,  not  us.     Tak'st  thou  the  price  ? 

Judas.  I  do. 

Nic,od.  Thou  abject  wretch !  reserve  thereof 
One  gerah  for  a  cord  to  hang  thyself. 

Caia.  Go  wait  without.     But  first  —  respond  to  this:  — 
If,  as  is  said,  this  Jesus  is  not  mark'd 
By  any  special  sign,  and  does  not  lead 
But  mixes  with  his  crew,  how  shall  the  band 
"We  send  to  arrest  him  know  him  in  the  night  ? 

Judas.  By  the  devotion  which  surrounds  him  still 
"Whate'er  his  place  in  the  midst  of  us;  so  that, 
As  with  all  other  leaders,  there,  that  place, 
None  other,  is  the  head  and  centre-point. 
Besides,  there  is  a  something  in  his  mien, 
A  strange  look  in  the  eyes,  profound  and  sad, 
Into  whose  depths  though  clear  no  eye  can  pierce, 
As  in  the  Sea  which  God  loves,3  and  whose  gaze, 
When  fix'd  upon  you,  none  can  bear :  nay,  more, 
There  is  at  times  a  singular  light  that  plays 

Like  moonshine  o'er  his  visage 

Caia.  Driveler,  peace ! 

"We  ask  not  for  thy  fancies.     "Wilt  thou  tell  us, 
So  we  will  let  thee,  Moses  on  the  Mount 
"Was  nothing  more  transfigur'd?     Give  some  sign 
That  will  not,  like  thy  visage-moonlight,  vanish 


ACT  III.    SO.   1.  25 


Before  our  lanterns.     Thou  thyself  shalt  lead : 
How  wilt  thou  mark  him  ? 

Judas.  Is  that  needful? 

Gala.  Ay. 
•    By  what  act  wilt  thou  make  thy  Master  known  ? 

Judas.  I  rather  would  forego 

Caia.  Thy  money  then, 
And  he  thyself  arrested  ?     Take  thy  choice. 
Judas.  Me  miserable !  —     "Whom  then  —  I  salute  — 

On  meeting,  with  a  kiss,  —  that  same  is  Jesus. 
Caia.  Go  wait  without  — — 

Nicod.  Thou  wilt  not  trust  this  wretch  ? 
Caia.  No,  I  will  use  him.     Thou,  and  Joseph  here, 
Alone  I  think  of  the  whole  Sanhedrim, 
As  their  approving  nods  and  signs  attest, 
"Would  let  the  occasion  by.  —    Thou,  wait  without, 
And  when  the  guard  appear,  do  as  thou  sayest. 

2 


26  CALVARY. 

SCENE  II. 
The  Garden  of  GetTisemane. 

JESUS. 
SIMON  PETER.     Joiix.    JAMES. 

Jesus.  Tarry  ye  at  the  gate ;  I  must  apart. 
My  soul  is  very  heavy,  even  to  death. 
Can  ye  watch  here  a  little  while  ? 

Peter.  Yea,  Lord, 

Until  the  morning,  shouldst  thou  hide  so  long. 
Jesus.  Simon,  he  not  too  sure. 

Peter.  Why  not  sure,  Lord  ? 

Even  James  and  John  will  watch.     Shall  I  then  tire? 
But  rather  let  me  go  with  thco  apart : 
I  have  a  sword  wherewith  to  brave  thy  foes, 
Should  any  such  affront  thee,  as  thou  hadest. 
Jesus.  Thou  didst  mistake  me, 

Peter.  Master,  thou  didst  say 
That  two  would  be  enough. 

Jesus.  And  truly  said  ; 

For  what  would  it  avail  though  all  were  arm'd  ? 
Simon,  the  Devil  would  sift  thee.     Take  thou  heed  ! 
Peter.  I  am  as  good  grain,  Master,  as  the  rest. 

Let  me  go  with  thee,  bear  what  thou  shalt  boar  ; 
Though  all  men  else  desert  thee,  will  not  I. 
Jesus.  Sayst  thou?     Verily,  ere  the  cock  shall  crow, 
Thon,  Simon  Peter,  Avilt  deny  me  thrice. 
He  leaves  them  and  come*  forward. 


ACT"  III.    SC.  2.  27 


Poor  sons  of  Adam !  in  your  own  weak  hearts 
Never  more  firm  than  when  most  prone  to  fall. — 
And  my  weak  heart,  does  not  its  human  blood 
Flow  with  a  troubled  current  ?     In  this  dread  hour, 

[kneeling.] 

When  I  need  all  my  courage,  O  my  God, 
Father  in  Heaven,  let  me  not  grow  faint. 
Let  the  brave  spirit  which  comes  of  Thee  alone, 
And  drew  no  nurture  from  my  mother's  milk, 
Aid  me  against  the. torture  whose  mere  thought 
Already  is  such  anguish,  and  whose  pangs 
Seem  in  that  forethought  still  more  hard  to  bear 
In  that  I  might  avoid  them  ;  for  Thou  knowest, 
Thou,  and  Thou  only,  that  these  death-cold  drops 
Are  forc'd  not  from  my  forehead  by  coward  fear, 
Fear  of  a  suffering  which,  though  long,  shall  end, 
But  by  the  struggle  between  what  I  should  do 
And  what  my  mortal  nature  prompts  me  do, 
Between  Thy  bidding  which  commands  me  stay 
And  my  blood's  frailty  which  would  urge  me  flee. 
Oh  it  is  fearful !     Help  Thou,  Father!  God! 
This  cup,  which  is  so  bitter,  if  thou  canst, 
Take  from  me!  '  But  Thy  will,  not  mine  be  done. 

After  some  minutes,  Jesiis  rises. 

Simon!     But  he  is  sleeping;  and  the  rest. 
So  brief  a  while,  and  yet  not  watch  for  me ! 
For  me,  for  whom  they  were  so  prompt  to  die, 
And  Simon  most. 


28  CALVARY. 


LUCIFER  appears. 

Lucif.  Who  will  be  first  to  abjure  thee. 
Thou  Last  thyself  thus  told  him. 

Jesus.  Who  art  thou  ? 
I  need  not  question.     In  the  glowing  eyes, 
The  godlike  port,  and  the  strange  light  that  floats, 
Visible  spite  the  moonshine,  on  thy  shoulders, 
I  read  thee  all,  without  that  mocking  voice 
Which  brings  to  mind  the  mountain  where  I  bade  thee, 
As  I  do  now,  Get  thee  hence,  Satan  ! 

Lucif.  N"o, 

Not  then  as  now.    I  offer'd  power  and  glory, 
And  set  a  price  upon  them.     Then  thy  gaze 
Was  made  to  cover  at  a  single  glance 
All  of  Earth's  kingdoms.     Now  I  bid  thee  see 
And  hear  but  with  man's  senses.     Look  around. 
The  moon  is  o'er  the  hill-top,  and  her  light 
Floods  the  hush'd  city  and  the  mighty  wall 
Which  stood  the  Assyrian  fire  when  all  the  rest, 
Temple  and  tower,  went  down,  and  David's  throne 
With  its  weak  kings,  six  hundred  years  ago. 
How  peaceful !  and  how  still !  Thou  mayst  distinguish 
Sole  of  all  sounds  the  bubbling  of  yon  brook. 
But  in  a  little  while  how  all  will  change ! 
Even  now  I  hear,  as  thou  mayst  wilt  thou  use 
The  ears  that  are  not  earth-made,  martial  steps ; 
I  see  the  gleam  of  torches,  useless  sure 
In  the  broad  moonshine,  and  the  uncertain  gleam 


ACT  III.    SC.  2.  29 


Of  many  spear-heads.     'T  is  the  armed  band 

That  come  to  catch  thee.     Wilt  thou  wait  them  here  ? 

Jesus.  I  will. 

Lucif.  Hast  thou  bethought  thee,  God-born,  then, 
Of  what  the  end  is  ? 

Jesus.  Satan,  I  have  said, 
Go  from  before  me.     Thou  didst  fail  with  Job. 
Shall  I  do  less  than  he  ? 

Lucif.  He  was  not  tried 
As  thou  wilt  be :  I  might  not  touch  his  life. 
Think'st  thou  the  Roman  will  refuse  to  yield  ? 
He  will  approve  thee,  but  thou  wilt  be  given 
To  quench  the  blood-thirst  of  a  frantic  mob, 
That  will  outwatch  the  stars  to  see  thee  die, 
And  grumble,  if  thou  should  be  spar'd  one  pang. 

Jesus.  Simon !  Awake !     Beloved  John ! 

Lucif.  The  cold 

Hath  numb'd  them.    And  these  wretched  men  as  well, 
"Who  follow  thee,  thou  know'st,  for  what  they  hope 
Will  be  their  gain  on  Earth,  nor  wait  for  Heaven, — 
Their  nets,  thou  didst  assure  them,  should  catch  men  — 

Jesus.  Peace,  Devil!  and  avaunt! 

Lucif.  The  Christ  will  pardon. — 
These  to-be-sainted  fishermen,  as  well, 
Will  watch  thy  crucifixion,  not  indeed 
With  the  brute  satisfaction  of  the  mob, 
Nor  in  the  hungry  curiousness  alone 
To  mark  how  thou  canst  suffer  and  wilt  die, 
Though  haply  some  such  craving,  being  men, 


30  (Al.VAKY. 

Will  mingle  with  their  heart-ache ;  but  can  they, 
Or  can  thy  mother's  anguish,  wept  she  blood, 
Keep  thy  raw  wounds  from  smarting,  or  assuage 
The  thirst  that  burns  like  fire  thy  throat  and  lips? 

Jesus.  Father!  this  cup! Let  not  the  serpent's  gall 

Add  to  its  bitterness ! 

Lucif.  Yet 't  is  honey-sweet 
Compar'd  with  that  thou  presently  shalt  drink. 
Hear'st  thou  not  yet  the  footsteps  ?    In  brief  time, 
Their  measur'd  tramp  will  sound  without  the  gate. 
One  of  thy  zealots  leads  them.     Son  of  God  ! 
What  though  incarnate,  wilt  thou  be  arraign'd 
Like  a  vile  robber  and  abide  the  law  ? 
I  hear  thee  sentenc'd.     'Mid  a  rabble  rout, 
Who  rain  on  thee  dire  curses  and  foul  words, 
Who  buffet  thee  and  void  their  filthy  rheum 
On  thy  resistless  visage,  thou  'rt  push'd  and  dragg'd 
To  the  high  place,  where  nail'd  on  either  side 
A  cut-throat  suffers  with  thee.     Thou  art  stripp'd. 
I  see  thy  body  bound  to  the  cross'd  planks. 
And  now  large  spikes  are  driven  through  thy  hands, 
And  through  thy  feet.     Thick  in  the  wTintry  air 
The  blood  flows  slowly  o'er  thy  pallid  limbs 
And  stiffens  there.     O  weary,  weary  time ! 
When  death,  though  still  before  thee,  fails  to  strike 
Though  pray'd  for,  and  the  fever  in  the  veins 
Brings  not  unconsciousness.     See.,  that  head, 
Into  whose  bloody  front  the  plaited  thorns 
Press  their  sharp  points,  droops  lower  on  the  chest 


ACT  III.    SO.  2.  31 


And  spots  it  with  the  mingled  sweat  of  death 
And  tears  of  gore.     And  yet  thou  canst  not  die. 
Will  not  the  sun  go  down  ?     Thy  parch'd  lips  ope, 
And  while  thine  eyes  turn  languidly  to  Heaven, 
Yet  full  of  agony  that  is  reproach,  thy  voice 
Calls  feebly  unto  God  who  lets  thee  die. 

Jesus.  Father !  have  mercy ! 

Lucif.  Ask  it  not  of  Him. 
Of  me  thou  wilt  obtain  it. 

Jesus.  Fiend!     Of  thee? 

Lucif.  Son  of  the  maiden  Mary  and  of  God, 
Ere  thou  wast  man  I  did  defy  thy  power, 
And  scorn'd  to  worship  thee.     Since  here  on  Earth, 
I  promis'd  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  Earth, 
So  thou  wouldst  worship  me.    If  thou  wilt  flee 
And  leave  these  ingrate  fools,  who  know  thee  not, 
To  their  own  ruin,  I,  I  will  kneel  to  thee, 
Here  on  this  spot,  avow  thee  as  my  lord, 
And  ever  more  do  reverence. 

Jesus.  If  thou  wilt, 

Father,  I  would  this  cup  might  pass  from  me ! 
Yet  not  my  will,  but  Thine  be  done. 

Lucif.  So  be  it. 

Die  in  thy  pride  and  folly  ;  and  may  the  thought 
Heighten  thy  pangs,  that,  though  thou  bleed'st  for  man, 
Thou  sav'st  him  not.     He  is  my  vassal  still. 
Part  we.     I  could  admire,  but  that  my  wrongs 
Breed  everlasting  hate  and  keep  us  foes. 
LUCIFER  disappears. 


32  CALVAKY. 

Jesus.  The  agony  is  over. —    Angels1  hands? 

Their  fingers  wipe  my  brow,  their  broad  wings  fan  me, 
Their  soft  breath  soothes  me,  and  their  silver  tones 
With  whisper'd  words  of  solace  and  of  love 
Eenew  my  courage.    Am  I  then  approv'd? 
O  God!  my  Father!  since  it  is  Thy  will,  • 

Let  me  drink  boldly,  though  the  draft  is  death. 

He  moves' toward  tlie  sleepers. 
Simon,  awake.     The  time  is  gone  for  rest. 
The  hour  approaches  when  the  Son  of  Man 
Is  given  unto  his  foes ;  and  lo,  at  hand 
He  that  betrays  me.     [The  disciples  gather  round  Mm. 

Enter 

A  land  of  SOLDIERS,  MALCIIUS 

and  others,  JUDAS  in  advance,  who  presses 

hurriedly  forward  and  kisses  JESUS. 

Is  it  with  a  kiss 

Thou  mak'st  betrayal  of  the  Son  of  Man  ? 
Whom  seek  ye  ?     [to  the  Sand. 

Malch.  Him  of  Nazareth. 

Jesus.  'T  is  I. 

Why  fall  ye  back  in  doubt  ?    Again  I  ask : 
Whom  seek  ye  ? 

Malch.  We  have  said,  —  the  Nazarene. 
Jesus.  I  told  ye,  I  am  he.    If  I  alone 

Be  he  ye  come  for,  let  these  go  their  way. 
Malch.  Seize  him. 

Peter.  Thou  villain !  [wounds  Malchus. 


ACT  III.    SC.  2.  33 

Jesus.  Simon,  put  thy  sword 
Back  to  his  place :  all  they  that  take  the  sword 
Shall  perish  by  the  sword.    If  I  had  need, 
Think'st  thou  that  angels  would  not  guard  me  now  ? 
The  cup  my  Father  giveth  shall  I  not  drink  ?  — 
Suffer  thus  far.     [to  Malchus,  touching  his  wound. 

Have  ye  come  out  to  me 
As  to  a  rohber,  with  your  swords  and  staves  ? 
When  I  was  daily  with  you  in  the  temple, 
Ye  stretch'd  not  out  your  hands  to  me  ;  but  this 
Is  now  your  hour,  and  darkness  hath  dominion. 

They  lind  JESUS,  and  lead  him  forth, 
the  DISCIPLES  fleeing,  all  but  PETER,  who 

follows  at  a  distance. 
2* 


34  CALVARY. 

ACT    THE    FOURTH 

Scene  I. — As  in  Act  //.,  Sc.  2. 

JUDAS  ISCAEIOT.     MABY  MAGDALEXE. 

Judas.  Here  take  the  flint.     I  cannot  force  a  spark  : 
My  hands  are  numb. 

Magd.  Thy  fingers  are  like  death ! 
Yet  thy  brow  drips  with  sweat !     Is  that  from  cold  ? 
Judas.  Yes ;  hasten. 

Magd.  How  thy  voice  shakes ! 

Judas.  Mind  it  not. 

The  light ;  quick,  quick  !  the  fire.     It  is  so  dark  — 
Is  the  door  barr'd  ?  —  and  cold !     I  had  such  toil 
To  get  these  things  at  this  late  hour  —  Ah,  so  ! 
The  faggots  now.     Canst  thou  put  in  the  oil  ?  — 
And  that  is  why  my  brow  drips  and  I  tremble ; 
I  had  to  run  so  fast  from  shop  to  shop, 
Finding  all  closed  but  one. 

Magd.  Yet  thou  art  cold. 
Thy  running  should  have  warm'd  thee. 

Judas.  And  it  would. 

But  then  the  thought  of  thee 

Madg.  Why  look'st  thou  round  ? 
Judas.  Heard'st  thou  then  nothing  ? 

Magd.  Nothing.     This  is  fear. 
How  pale  thou  lookVt ! 


ACT  IV.    SC.   1.  35 

Judas.  It  is  the  flickering  flame. 
The  brands  will  soon  cease  smoking,  and  my  face 
"Will  not  look  haggard.     'T  is  the  thought  of  thee, 
Thy  hunger  that  distress'd  me,  made  me  cold. 
Break  the  bread,  Mary. 

Magd.  I  did  not  say  haggard. 
Yet  haggard  't  is  and  pale.     'T  is  not  the  fire 
That  flickers,  for  the  lamp  is  burning  clear. 
What  is  it  ails  thee  ? 

Judas.  Give  me  of  the  wine. 
And  drink  thyself,  and  ent.     Eat,  Mary  dear. 
Now  I  am  warmer. 

Magd.  Whence  hadst  thou  these  things  ? 
Judas.  What  matters  it  ?     Thou  art  starving.     Eat,  I  say  ; 
And  here,  drink  off  that  wine. 

Magd.  I  will  not  drink, 
Nor  eat,  till  thou  hast  told  me  whence  this  comes. 

Thou  hast  not God  of  Heaven  !  on  thy  hand 

Is  blood ! 

Judas.  A  spot.     A  splinter  in  the  wood. 
Seest  thou  ?  there  is  the  scratch. 

Magd.  Thou  couldst  not 

Judas.  What? 
Dost  thou  suspect  me  ? 

Magd.  Thou  hast  done  no  murder? 
Judas.  Oh  no !     Oh  no,  no,  no  !  not  yet. 

Magd.  Not  yet  ? 

And  said  so  gloomily.     Thou  hast  not  robb'd  ? 
Judas.  I  would  I  had ! 


36  CALVARY. 

Magd.  Thou  wouldst  tbou  had  ?     And  tears  ? 

[removing  one  of  his  liands,  with  both 
which  he  has  covered  his  face. 

Judas,  where  gott'st  thou  money  ?     Till  thou  tell'st  me, 
I  will  not  eat  that  bread,  nor  drink  that  wine. 
Judas.  The  bread  and  wine  are  what  remained  to  day 
After  the  feast.     The  master  of  the  house 
Bestow'd  them  on  me. 

Magd.  Did  he  give  thee  too 
The  oil  and  faggots  ?     Thou  didst  let  me  think 
Thou  gott'st  them  at  a  shop,  the  sole  one  open. 
Where  didst  thou  get  the  money  ? 

Judas.  Fill  my  cup. 
And  drink  thou  too,  and  eat. 

Magd.  I  will  not  eat 

Till  thou  hast  told  m'e  if  the  bread  be  honest. 
Fill* thou,  thyself;  I  cannot  pour  that  wine. 
Nor  shouldst  thou  drink  it,  if  I  could  prevail. 
Thou  tremblest,  and  thy  eyes  are  dropping  tear^. 

Judas.  It  is  the  smoke.     I  tremble  with  a  fear 

Why  dost  thou  doubt  me,  Mary  ?  —  with  a  fear 
Some  evil  is  betiding.     Heard'st  thou  aught 
While  I  was  absent?     Sawest  thou  no  sign? 
Magd.  What  dost  thou  mean  ?    What  sign,  what  sound  ?    To 

whom 

Should  evil  be  betiding  ?     Is  't  to  John  ? 
Judas.  To  all  of  us.     How  know  I  ?    It  will  happen 
When  least  we  think  it. 

As  the  Master  said : 


ACT  IV.    SC.  1.  37 

Offences  needs  must  come  ;  but  wo  to  him 

Through  whom 

Judas.  More  wine ! 

Magd.  Thou  shalt  not  drink  again  : 

Thou  art  already  wild. 

Judas.  Ah,  wo  indeed ! 
Magd.  Oh  what  a  sigh  was  that !  Hast  thou  done  anght  ? 

Judas !  thou  know'st  I  love  thee.     On  my  knees 

I  do  adjure  thee,  by  that  sinful  love 

For  which  I  live  in  daily  terror  and  grief 

That  make  all  joy  forgotten,  tell  me,  tell, 

What  is  it  weighs  upon  thy  soul  this  night  ? 

What  hast  thou  done  ?    Where  didst  thou  get  the  rne^ns, 

For  me  unhappy,  for  my  most  wretched  sake, 

To  buy  this  oil,  and  wine,  and  bread,  and  wood  ? 
Judas.  Eat,  let  me  see  thee  eat.     Heard'st  thou  not  aught  ? 

Saw'st  thou  not  aught  this  night  ?    Eat,  do  but  eat ! 

Or  thou  wilt  drive  me  desperate.     'T  was  for  that, 

To  ease  thy  hunger Saw'st  thou  naught  to  night  ? 

Naught  from  thy  lattice,  Mary  ?    It  o'erlooks 

Magd.  Why  dost  thou  pause  ?     O'erlooks 

Judas.  Eat,  do  but  eat ! 
Magd.  [springing  to  her  feet. 

Ah !  I  remember  now.    It  cannot  be  — 

Thou  canst  not  be  so  wicked  —    Oh  my  God  ! 

Let  me  not  hear  him  say  it,  let  me  die 

Not  knowing  of  such  treason ! 

Judas.  Treason?    What? 

What  should  I  do  with  treason  ?    And  to  whom  ? 
Magd.  Look  in  my  eyes.     Thou  spak'st  this  very  night 


38  CALVARY. 

Bitterly  of  the  Master,  and  a  purpose 

What  money  hast  thou  ? 

Judas.  Here  are  seven  pieces. 

But  take  them  not  to  the  Women's  Court  again. 
Magd.  Where  didst  thou  get  them  ? 

Judas.  Say  I  borrow'd,  begg'd  : 

What  matters  it  ?  Eat,  drink.  Was  that  a  noise  ? 
Magd.  I  heard  none.  'T  is  the  moaning  wind  perhaps. 
Judas.  It  sounded  like  a  sigh. 

Magd.  It  was  thy  own. 

Twice  hast  thou  heav'd  one,  from  thy  inmost  breast. 

Something  weighs  heavy  there  and  would  have  vent. 

It  makes  thee  restless,  gloomy,  fearful,  wild. 

Am  I  a  child,  that  I  should  see  all  this 

And  not  conjecture?  have  I  grown  so  old 

As  to  forget  already  what,  not  hunger, 

Made  thy  stay  long  to  me  ?     Whence  came  that  coin  ? 

I  will  not  touch  it  till  I  know  fully  whence. 

What  didst  thou  mean  by  signs  and  sounds  ?     What  ill 

Is  there  betiding  ? 

Judas.  There  was  in  the  street 

A  rumor,  that — the  Master Heard'st  thou  naught  ? 

I  thought  that,  being  so  near  the  wall  — 

Magd.  Why  pause  ? 

'T  is  not  to  £  tir  the  brands.     Thou  hid'st  thy  face. 

The  Master  ?     And  that  whisper'd  word  to  John  ? 

What  hast  thou  done  ?    Thou  hast  not There  were 

shouts, 

Lights  through  the  trees,  and  armed  men  I  thought, 

In  the  vale  from  the  Mount  of  Olives.    Judas !  man  ! 


ACT  IV.    SC.  1.  39 

Thou  didst  not  lead  them  ?     Thou  didst  not  betray 

Speak,  if  thou  wouldst  not  kill  me.     Only  sobs  ? 

And  for  this  money? 

Judas.  Woman,  it  was  thou  — 

Thy  suffering  drove  me. 

Magd.  Thou  hast  done  it,  then  ? 

Oh,  I  had  hopes But  say  not 't  was  for  me! 

My  hunger  could  not  make  thee  wicked  —  wicked  ? 

Oh,  wicked  unspeakably  !     A  wretch  like  thee 

Never  yet  liv'd,  and  is  not  fit  to  live. 
Judas.  Sayst  thou  ?     This  my  guerdon  ?     Thou  art  right ; 

I  am  not  fit  to  live.     I  go.     But  thou, 

For  whose  sake  I  have  sinn'd  thus,  take  this  coin  — 

All  but  one  piece.    Eat,  live,  be  happy.     There : 

It  is  my  life's  worth. 

Magd.  'T  is  the  price  of  blood. 

I  will  not  touch  it ;  nor  the  bread,  nor  wine. 

This  fire  shall  not  burn  here,  this  lamp  shall  out. 

There.    In  a  moment,  when  thess  embers  die, 

I  shall  again  be  in  the  dark,  and  cold, 

But  with  a  pang  that  will  not  let  me  feel 

Hunger  or  thirst.    I  would,  ere  thou  hadst  come, 

I  had  been  colder,  in  a  darker  place, 

"Where  is  no  hunger. 

Judas.  Would  I  now  were  there ! 

Mary,  I  go.     Give  me  that  wine  once  more. 
Magd.  Thou  shalt  not  taste  one  drop.     It  is  the  blood 

Of  thy  good  Master.     Thou  hast  over-drunk, 

Even  were  it  honest  wine.     Where  dost  tliou  go  to? 
Judas.  Farewell — forever! 


40  CALVAKY. 

Magd.  Judas !  Stay.     Thy  face 

I  see  but  dimly  ;  but  thy  voice,  thy  step 

There  is  something  makes  me  shudder.     Let  me  hold 

tliee ; 

Be  not  so  violent.     Whither  dost  thou  go? 
Judas.  To  atone  my  guilt,  to  make  redress,  if  't  may  be. 
Magd.  And  save  our  Lord?     Oh  !  do  but  that,  but  that  — 
Do  but  that,  dost  thou  hear  me  ?  and  come  back, 
I'll  love  thee  as  I  never  lov'd  before. 
But  t;ike  the  money  with  thee,  what  is  left. 
Promise  the  rest  to-morrow,  —  as  thou  mayst ; 
"We'll  find  it  somewhere.    Why  so  mute  ?     Wrench  not 
Thy  arm  so  rudely  from  me.     Thou  'rt  not  wroth  ? 
Judas.  O  no,  no,  no !  not  wroth. 

Magd.  Thou  hast  no  cause. 
Hasten !     But,  if  thou  fail  to  amend  thy  faiilt, 
Come  never  more  again  ! 

Judas.  Ay,  never  more ! 


ACT  IV.    SO.  2. 

SCENE  II. 

As  in  Act  III.,  Se.  1. 
Tlie    Sanhedrim    assembled. 

JESUS  before  them. 

CAIAPHAS.     NICODEMUS.     JOSEPH  OF  AEIMATIIEA. 

On  one  aide,  three  Witnesses.     On  the  other,  MALOHTJS. 

Soldiers  of  the  Guard,  Officers  of  the  Court,  &c. 

Caia.  Answer  to  what  we  ask  thce.     What  art  thou  ? 

"Whence  is  thy  mission  ?    Is  it  true  what  men 
•  Allege  of  thee  ? 

Nicod.  "With  deference  be  it  said, 

"We  have  no  right  to  make  him  plead,  himself, 

To  show  what  he  is  not,  or  what  he  is. 

If  he  be  chargeable  with  grave  ofience, 

As  I  dare  doubt,  let  the  man  stand  arraign'd 

Until  wo  prove  it. 

Caia.  Thou  dost  strain  the  law 

In  his  behoof.     Unwisely ;  for  our  course 

Gives  him  in  mercy  privilege  to  plead 

From  his  own  consciousness,  advancing  all 

May  best  avail  him  and  withholding  aught 

That  cunning  would  conceal.  —  Art  thou  still  mute  ? 
Jesus.  Say  I  should  answer  you,  will  ye  believe  ? 

Or  should  I  question,  will  ye  make  reply  ? 

"What  I  have  said  was  said  unto  the  world. 


42  CALVAKY. 

In  synagogue  and  temple,  there,  where  Jews 
From  all  parts  gather,  was  my  doctrine  taught, 
At  all  times,  openly,  in  secret  not. 
Why  ask  ye  then  of  me  ?    Ask  them  who  heard  me. 
Lo,  they  will  know  to  tell  you  what  I  taught. 

Malch.  [striking  him. 

What !  to  the  High-Priest  muk'st  them  answer  thus? 

Jesus.  Have  I  spoke  evil,  witness  to  that  evil. 

If  I  said  what  was  well,  why  smit'st  thou  me  ? 

Nicod.  Is  this  an  outrage  to  be  tamely  borne  ? 
Are  we  a  court?  or  shall  the  Sanhedrim 
Allow  the  robe  of  justice  to  be  soil'd 
By  ruffian  servitors?     The  culprit's  tone 
Was  nothing  bolder  than  becomes  a  man, 
A  man  so  question'd ;  if  to  be  reprov'd, 
.Censure  should  come  of  us,  not  in  the  form 
Of  scoundrel  violence. 

Caia.  Malchus,  leave  the  hall. 
Thy  superserviceable  zeal,  albeit 
Kightly  inspir'd,  revolts  tlie  prophet's  friends. 
Bring  the  first  witness.     What  hast  thou  to  urge  ? 

1st  Witn.  This  fellow  call'd  himself  the  Son  of  God. 

Nicod.  Passing  thy  insolent  levity,  unto  us 

Much  more  dishonoring  than  to  him,  the  arraign'd, 
Heard'st  thou  this  said  thyself?    And  when?    And 

where  ? 

But  we  assume  the  fact.     The  Sanhedrim 
Need  not  be  told  it  is  written,  u  I  have  said 
Ye  are  gods,  and  children  of  the  Highest,  all." 


ACT  IV.    SC.  2.  43 


Could  this  apply  to  many,  surely  one 
Who  doth,  or  claims  to  do,  the  righteous  works 
Enjoin'd  by  Him  who  is  Father  of  all  men, 
May  speak  as  is  reported,  nor  blaspheme. 

Jos.  Arim.  I  am  a  witness  as  to  the  intent 

And  meaning  of  those  words.     'T  was  in  the  porch 
Of  Solomon,  when  the  people  took  up  stones 
To  slay  him  for  the  imputed  crime  here  urg'd, 
That  he  disprov'd  it,  citing  the  same  phrase 
Which  Nicodemus  hath. 

Caia.  But  was  this  all  ? 
What  hast  thou  else  to  charge  ? 

%  1st  Witn.  We  took  up  stones 

Because  he  claimed  that  he  and  God  are  one. 

Jos.  Arim.  Further  misapprehension.     Heard  I  not 
How  he  said  elsewhere,  when  one  call'd  him  good, 
"  There  is  none  good  but  one,  and  that  is  God  ?" 
My  testimony  weighs  at  least  as  much 
As  this  coarse  fellow's. 

Caia.  But  may  be  more  bias'd. 

Nicod.  Ever,  I  trust,  toward  truth  and  common  right. 

Caia.  That  is  a  matter  of  opinion  now, 

But  will  be  soon  of  judgment.     Honest  man, 
Hast  thou  more  evidence  ? 

1st  Witn.  This  Jesus  said, 
Once  in  Capernaum,  that  his  flesh  was  bread, 
That  he  would  give  us  of  this  bread  to  eat, 
And  that  it  came  from  Heaven.     Whereat,  not  few 
Of  his  own  followers  left  him. 

Nicod.  What  is  that, 


44  CALVARY. 

Even  if 't  be  true  ?    Most  palpably  the  sense 
Is  moral.     Taken  at  the  letter's  worth, 
It  were  a  madman's  utterance,  and  could  claim 
Nowise  consideration  on  our  part. 

Caia.  Save  to  corroborate  the  facts  adduc'd. 

Call  the  next  witness.     "What  hast  thou  to  state, 
Of  thy  own  knowledge  ? 

2d  Witn.  That  this  Jesus  claim'd 
To  have  been  before  our  father  Abraham  was. 
For  which  we  would  have  ston'd  him,  but  he  fled. 
And,  at  another  time  again,  declar'd : 
"Destroy  the  Temple,  and  in  three  days'  time 
I  will  rebuild  the  same." 

Nicod.  Assertions  both 
Whose  quality  rests  on  the  mode  of  speech 
Habitual  with  the  assertor,  known  to  all 
To  talk  in  figures.     Give  a  literal  sense, 
He  is  a  god,  or  lunatic  and  fool. 
We  cannot  touch  him,  if  he  be  a  god  ; 
If  mad,  or  void  of  sense,  we  have  no  right. 

Jos.  Arim.  Justly  remark'd.     The  temple  meant  his  body. 
This  I  have  heard  his  near  disciple  say. 
He  inculcates,  it  is  known,  a  future  life. 

Caia.  You  as  his  friends,  if  not  his  followers,  both, 
Should  help  the  god  exemplify  his  lesson 
In  his  own  flesh,  —  as  soon  may  be.     For  lo, 
A  witness  more  unanswerable.     Speak  ! 

Zd  Witn.  The  accus'd,  with  his  disciples,  gathered  corn 
Upon  the  Sabbath-day,  and,  censur'd,  said, 
David  had  more  profan'd  it,  and  the  priests 


ACT  IV.    SC.  II.  45 


That  serve  the  Temple  do  it  without  blame  ; 
Adding,  "  Here  is  a  greater  than  the  Temple," 
Meaning  himself,  — "for  he,  the  Son  of  Man 
Is  master  even  of  the  Sabbath-day." 

Elder.  Horrid  impiety ! 

Scribe.  Pretention  blasphemous  1 

Nicod.  That  is  as  it  was  said ;  the  tone  is  all. 
For  what  was  said  is  borue  out  by  the  law 
And  record. 

Caia.  By  the  law  ?     "Wilt  thou  maintain 
The  law  has  made  him  master  of  the  law  ? 
Or  find'st  thou,  thou,  this  ape  of  prophets  gone 
A  greater  than  the  Temple? 

Nicod.  I  find  nought 
Before  me,  in  that  unresisting  form, 
But  a  good  man  most  shamefully  betray'd, 
Whose  zeal  may  be  excessive,  but  whose  claims 
To  greatness,  as  imputed,  are  belied 
By  .his  own  conduct. 

Caia.  Dost  thou  know  it  all  ? 
Lurks  there  no  craft  beneath  an  artless  mein  ? 
Is  meekness  never  made  the  facile  mask 
To  an  ambitious  spirit  ?     Speak  once  more, 
And  tell  the  Council,  man,  what  thon  hast  seen, 
What  know  of  this  aspirant — such  he  is, 
Humble  though  he  stands  here  —  to  David's  throne. 

Nicod.  The  question  guides  and  prompts  to  a  reply. 

Caia.  Mind  not  the  Elder.     Speak  ;  thou  shalt  be  heard. 

3d  Witn.  One  day  he  rode  in  triumph,  and  the  crowd, 
Like  madmen,  spread  their  garments  in  his  path, 


46  CALVAKY. 

And  shouted 

Nicod.  Where  was  this  ? 

3d  Witn.  Upon  the  way 
From  Bethphage  to  the  city. 

Nicod.  Thou  wast  there  ? 

3d  Witn.  I  was.     They  shouted  :  "  Blessed  be  the  king 
That  cometh  in  the  Lord's  name  !     Peace  on  earth 
And  glory  in  the  highest."    When  rebuk'd,  — 
As  some  there  bade  Lim  chide  them  — I  was  one,  — 
This  Jesus  answer'd :  "  Should  these  hold  their  peace, 
The  very  stones  beneath  us  would  cry  out." 
Elder.  'T  is  a  clear  case. 

Scribe.  So  think  we  all. 

Nicod.  Why  then, 

When,  at  another  time,  the  rabble  strove 
To  make  him  king  by  force  —  this  can  be  prov'd,  — 
Wljy  did  he  flee?     'T  was  nigh  Tiberias, 
Over  the  Sea.     He  fled,  and  hid  himself. 
Caia.  The  people  then  did  seek  to  make  him  king  ? 
So  much  is  prov'd. 

Nicod.  But  not  that 't  was  his  fault. 
Caia.  Proceed,  [to  Witn. 

3d  Witn.  He  assur'dthe  Twelve  that  make  his  train, 
That,  when  he  came  to  glory,  they  should  sit, 
Themselves,  upon  twelve  thrones  and  judge  the  Tribes. 
Caia.  What  more  is  needed  ? 

Elder.  Let  him  be  condemn'd. 
Nicod.  Upon  this  evidence  ?    The  very  words 
Us'd  by  the  witness  mark  the  innocent  sense 
Of  the  accus'd,  supposing  he  thus  spake. 


ACT  IV.    SC.  2.  47 


His  glory  is  not  of  this  world  ;  the  thrones 
Are  seats  in  Heaven. 

Jos.  Arim.  Else,  let  the  witness  say, 
Who  has  learn'd  so  much,  why,  as  is  known  to  all 
The  twelve  he  calls  the  train,  the  Nazarene 
Kefus'd  the  sons  of  Zebedee  their  choice, 
"When,  in  their  ignorance  of  this  mystic  sense 
Which  Nicodemus  hath  so  well  divin'd, 
Their  mother  pray'd  him  that  the  two  might  sit 
On  either  hand  of  him  in  that  new  realm. 
What  was  his  answer  ?     'T  was  not  his  to  give, 
But  theirs  for  whom  his  Father  had  prepared  it. 
Caia.  Atrocious  blasphemy ! 

Nicod.  Be  it,  if  thou  please. 
But,  if  not  so  designed  — 

Caia.  Ye  Scribes  and  Elders, 
Priests  who  with  me  look  on  the  law  of  God 
As  violated  in  the  lightest  act 
Of  all  ascrib'd  to  this  mad  Nazarene, 
Why  need  we  sit  here  longer  ?     Is  't  your  will, 
As  mine,  to  pluck  this  irritating  thorn 
Instantly  from  the  body  of  the  State, 
That  it  mtiy  rest,  and  we  put  off  the  dread 
Of  being  endanger'd  with  our  conquerors  worse, 
Ye  will  not  give  to  Nicodemus  hero 
And  Joseph,  who  is,  like  him,  sway'd  at  least 
By  predilection  for  the  dangerous  ways 
Of  this  smooth-tongued  and  subtlest  instigator 
Of  the  bad  passions  of  our  mutinous  race, 


48  CALVAKY. 

Ye  will  not  give  them  time  to  argue  more 
In  snch  a  cause. 

Elder.  No,  we  have  heard  too  much. 

Nicod.  Ay,  from  this  Jesus,  who  has  roused  your  hato 
By  openly  denouncing,  at  all  times, 
Your  white-wash'd  irreligion,  the  false  pi:mp 
Of  a  knee-homage,  and  your  empty  vaunts 
Of  charity  where  lives  but  self-conceit 
And  pitiless  avarice  and  revengeful  .pride. 
Had  he  but  left  your  vices  unreprov'd 

Caia.  Let  him  say  no  word  more. 

Elder.  Ay,  and  take  heed. 

Nicod.  Of  what  ?  from  whom  ? 

Jos.  Arim.  [apart  to  Nicod.]  Be  cautious  ;  't  is  in  vain. 

Nicod.  [to  Jos.,  but  aloud. 

Art  thou  so  lukewarm  ?     Were  I  not  to  speak 
Against  this  violence  done  to  sense  and  right 
And  decency,  in  this  innocent  person's  words, 
"  The  very  stones  beneath  me  would  cry  out." 

Caia.  Enough.     The  prisoner's  friends  have  pleaded  long : 
Why  is  he  mute  himself?    By  that  dread  name 
Thou  dost  profess  to  reverence  with  ourselves, 
I  charge  thee,  tell  us,  art  tbou  then  the  Christ  ? 

Jesus.  Thou  sayst  it. 

Caia.  That  our  ears  should  hear  these  words ! 

Elder.  Take  him  to  death. 

Scribe.  On  to  the  Judgment,  on ! 

JESUS  is  Ionic  out,  amid  the  scoff's  and  mockery  ofihe 
crowd,— the  SENATE  rising  after,— when, 


ACT  IV.    SC.  2.  49 


Enter  JUDAS  ISOAEIOT, 
forcing  Ms  way  through  the  Servants  of  the  Court. 

Judas.  Stop  me  not !     'T  is  on  life  and  death.    "Way !  way ! 
I  must  to  the  Senate. 

Gala.  Fellow,  what  is  't  now  ? 

Judas.  Take  back  your  silver  ;  what  is  wanting  there 
Will  be  made  good  to-morrow.     I  have  lied. 
I  have  betray'd  the  innocent  blood.     Set  free 
The  Eabbi  Jesus,  and  take  me  instead. 
Caia.  If  thoti  hast  lied,  that  is  thy  own  affair. 
Take  up  thy  hire,  and  with  it  get  thee  hence. 
'T  is  nothing  to  us  now,  no  more  than  thou. 
Judas.  Let  it  lie  there  then.  — •   I  have  kept  one  piece, 

As  thou  didst  counsel,     [to  Nicod.  as,  on  going  out, 
Judas  passes  him. 

Nicod.  No,  not  now  ;  not  now. 
Go  home,  unhappy  wretch,  and  make  atonement 
By  a  new  life. 

Judas.  I  have  promis'd  —  "  Never  more." 


50  CALVARY. 

SCENE  III. 
The  porch  without  the  palace  of  the  High-Priest. 

PETER,  weeping. 
Enter  hurriedly,  JOHN. 

John.  I  have  come  to  seek  thee.    Why  dost  tliou  weep  here  ? 
They  have  dragg'd  Him  to  the  Judgment-Hall.     Come, 
come! 

Peter.  I  am  weeping  not  for  Him.    Didst  thou  not  hear 
How  he  foretold  I  should  deny  him  thrice  ? 
I  felt  ill-treated  then.     But,  wo  is  me  ! 
I  am  weaker  than  I  thought. 

John.  "What  hast  thou  done? 

Peter.  I  stood  below  in  the  Hall  where  thou  didst  leave  me, 
And  when  they  said  that  I  was  of  his  men, 
In  fear  denied  it.     Then  the  cock  crew  loud ; 
And  the  Lord,  turning  round  to  where  I  stood, 
Look'd  for  a  moment  at  me.     But  that  look ! 

John.  "Well  mayst  thon  weep.    "We  all  are  weak.    But  one, 
One  only  has  been  devilish ;  and  that  one 
Eepented,  and  hath  made  atonement.    Come ! 

Peter.  What,  what  atonement  ?    Judas  ? 

John.  Hasten.     Yes, 

Judas  has  taken  his  own  life.    On  the  way, 
I  will  tell  thee  what  I  have  heard.    Come,  Simon,  come ! 


ACT  IV.    SC.  4.  51 

SCENE  IV. 
The  Gabbatha  or  Pavement. 

In  the  background,  PONTIUS  on  the  Judgment-seat,  attended  In/ 
his  officers  and  lictors.  At  Ms  right  hand  waiting,  a  little 
apart,  a  Servant  of  his  household.  The  chief  members  of  the 
Sanhedrim  —  among  them,  but  aloof  and  moving  reluc- 
tantly, NIOODEMTTS  and  JOSEPH  OF  AEIMATHEA  —  are  ap- 
proaching the  Pavement,  to  arrange  themselves  on  either  side, 
the  People  following,  to  place  themselves  in  front. 

Pontius,  [his  face  half-turned  to  the  Servant. 

Tell  her,  her  dreams  accord  with  my  day-thoughts 
I  will  do  what  I  can ;  but  the  High-Priest 
Is  bent  on  Iris  destruction.     Lo,  they  come, 
And  wait  me  on  the  Pavement.     Mark  thon  that ! 
These  bigot  Jews  will  not  approach  my  house, 
Lest  they  contract  pollution  from  a  Gentile, 
But  meet  me  when  without !     Go  tell  her  that, 
And  bid  her  hope  for  nothing  from  such  fools. 

JESTJS, 

guarded,  is  led  up  through  the  crowd,  and  made 

to  stand  in  the  centre  of  the  Pavement, 

before  the  Judgment-seat. 

Caia.  Behold  the  Nazarene.    The  tetrarch  Herod 
Remands  him  unto  thee. 


52  CALVAET. 

Pont.  Because,  like  me, 
He  finds  no  fault  in  him.    Must  I  again 
Go  over  the  same  grounds  with  like  result  ? 
He  does  not  merit  death  :  I  will  chastise  him, 
Then  set  him  free. 

Jesus.  Take  heed  to  what  thou  dost ; 
For  with  what  measure  thou  shalt  mete  to  me, 
It  shall  he  meted  unto  thee  again. 

Pont.  Threat'nest  thou  me  ? 

Jesus.  I  have  no  will  to  threaten, 
But  I  have  power  given  me  to  forewarn. 
Thou  art  a  man  who  art  not  idly  cruel, 
But,  where  thou  think'st  there  is  need,  thou  dost  not 

stop 

"Were  't  for  ten  thousand  lives.    Beware  thou  then, 
Nor  lend  thyself  to  cruelty  that  pleads 
No  pretext  like  thy  own ;  for  God  decrees, 
In  retribution,  violent  ends  to  those 
Who  practise  violence.4 

Pont.  If  I  set  thee  free, 
Wilt  thou  go  home  unto  thy  mother  now, 
And  brethren,  and,  thy  own  good  seeking  only, 
Keep  from  all  business  that  is  not  thy  own  ? 

Jesus.  My  business  is  my  Father's.    He  who  doth 
His  will  Who  is  in  Heaven,  the  same  to  me 
My  mother  is,  my  sister  and  my  brother. 

Caia.  Thou  seest ;  he  will  not  own  himself  the  son 
Of  the  dead  carpenter,  though  all  the  world 
About  him  know  it  and  have  seen  him  work 


ACT  IV.    SC.  4.  53 


At  his  mean  trade.     What  sayst  thou,  fellow  ?  who 
Art  thou  in  fact  ? 

Jesus.  The  faithful  shepherd,  come 
To  lay  his  life  down  freely  for  his  flock. 

Gala.  That  will  be  seen.    Most  noble  Pontius,  end 
This  mockery.    This  person  breaks,  has  broken 
For  years  our  laws,  he  makes  himself  to  be 
The  son  of  the  Most  High,  profanes  our  Sabbath, 
Derides  the  priesthood.     For  these  crimes  alone 
His  life  were  justly  forfeit :  but  he  is 
The  cause  if  not  the  inciter  of  sedition, 
Proclaim'd  by  the  idle,  ignorant  throng,  that  gather 
About  him  everywhere,  to  be  their  king, 
The  prince  of  the  House  of  David,  whom  the  prophet 
Foretold  should  come  to  build  us  up  again 
Our  ruin'd  kingdom,  and  the  sceptre  wresting 
From  conquering  Borne  restore  it  unto  Judah. 
Already  in  the  Wilderness  they  sought 

Compulsively  to  make  him  king. 

Jesus.  Why  need 
Compulsion,  were  my  kingdom  of  this  world? 

Caia.  Break'st  thou  my  speech? —    Because,  in  his  own 

words, 
His  time  was  not  yet  come. 

Pont,  [to  Jesus.]  And  is  that  true  ? 
Hast  thou  this  wild  ambition  to  be  king  ? 

Jesus.  Ask'st  thou  this  of  thyself?    Or  speak'st  thou  thus 
As  they  who  accuse  me  ? 

Pont.  Am  I  then  a  Jew  ? 


54  CALVARY. 

They,  who  have  brought  thee  hither  thus  arraign'd, 
Are  thy  own  people.    Is  their  censure  just  ? 

Jesus.  Let  my  acts  answer.     He,  who  for  himself 
Speaketh  and  acteth,  eeeketh  his  own  glory ; 
But  seeketh  he  to  glorify  alone 
Him  who  has  sent  him,  he  is  wholly  true 
And  doth  uprightly. 

Nicod.  Noble  Pontius,  hear. 
The  charges  that  are  made  against  this  man 
Have  not  one  been  sustain'd.     Nor  thou,  nor  Herod 
Find  ought  in  him  to  punish.     That  the  rabble 
Should  seek  to  make  him  king  —  if  that  be  so, 
May  at  the  time  give  trouble  and  vex  the  State ; 
But  is  the  fault  in  him  ?  and  should  we  ever 
Make  innocence  suffer  ? 

Pont.  I  have,  as  thou  must  see, 
No  wish  to  punish,  as  I  find  no  cause. 
But  your  own  rulers  find  one,  and  insist. 

Caia.  Art  thou  a  friend  to  Crosar,  thou  must  condemn. 
This  man  is  hostile  to  the  rule  of  Ctesar. 

Nicod.  He  paid  the  tribute-money  at  Capernaum. 

Jos.  Arim.  And  with  this  phrase,  which  in  itself  alone 
Defines  his  purpose  and  shows  the  realm  he  claims 
To  be  unearthly  :  "  Bender  unto  Cscsar 
That  which  is  hie,  to  God  what  is  of  God." 

Caia.  I  have  said  before,  he  but  abides  his  time. 
Are  we  to  wait  until  the  serpent's  egg 
Is  hatch'd  ?     A  known  contemner  of  the  law, 
Blasphemous,  sacrilegious,  full  of  guile, 
Seditious,  a  corrupter  of  the  people, 


ACT  IV.    SO.  4.  55 


We  find  ho  merits  death,  and  call  on  thee, 
Where  only  is  the  power,  to  pronounce  it. 

Pont.  People,  —    it  is  your  custom  on  this  day 
To  free  a  prisoner.     Two  await  your  choice. 
One  is  Barahhas,  a  determin'd  villain, 
Who  rous'd  you  to  revolt,  and  in  the  act 
Caus'd  or  committed  murder.     He  is  chaiu'd. 
The  other,  now  before  you,  is  a  man 
Whom  I  esteem  a  teacher  wise  and  good, 
Such  as  ye  need,  and  such  as  in  your  faith 
Has  in  all  time  heen  common.     By  mischance, 
Or  malice  of  his  foes,  or  through  a  zeal 
Too  warm  perhaps  and  headstrong,  brought  in  fault, 
He  is  led  to  this  tribunal  to  be  doom'd. 
Bid  me  release  him  to  you ;  for  to  me 
He  is  in  no  wise  guilty. 

Scribe.  But  he  is 
Before  our  law.    Release  to  us  Barabbas. 

Elder.  And  crucify  this  Jesus,  would-be  king. 

One  of  the  People.  Ay,  crucify  him ! 

Another.  And  release  Barabbas. 

Pont.  What !  crucify  him  whom  you  would  make  king  ? 

Priest.  They  have  no  king  but  Cajsar. 

People.  To  the  cross  ! 

Others.  Away  with  him ! 

Others.  And  give  us  up  Barabbas. 

Pont.  The  man  of  crime?  and  slay  this  harmless  one  ? 
Look  on  him  well.     What  evil  hath  he  done  ? 

Elder.  He  made  himself  the  Christ.     Away  with  him ! 

People.  Away  with  the  blasphemer !     To  the  cross ! 


56  CALVAKY. 

Pont.  Bring  water.  —    Thus,  before  you,  with  your  rite, 

I  wash  my  hands  of  the  blood  you  bid  me  shed. 
Elder.  Be  it  on  our  heads. 

People.  And  on  our  children's  heads. 
Nicod.  Even  so,  ye  madmen. 

People.  Crucify  !  Away ! 
Pont,  [to  the  lictors.]  Take  him.     And  see  they  set  above 

the  cross, 
"  King  of  the  Jews." 

Scribe.  Not  so,  but  "  self-call'd  King." 
Pont.  "What  I  have  said  is  said.     Away. 

People.  Away ! 
Others.  To  the  cross ! 

Others.  To  Golgotha ! 

Another.  Put  on  the  crown. 

A  wreath  vf  thorns  is  set  on  Jesus'  head. 

Scribe.  Give  him  a  sceptre  in  his  royal  hands. 

Soldier,  [putting  a  reed  in  Jesus'  hand,  and  bending  the 

Knee  before  him. 
Hail,  King  of  the  Jews ! 

People.  Away  with  him !  away! 

JESUS  is  led  off  hurriedly, 
amid  the  shouts  and  derision  of  the  People. 


ACT  V.    SO.  1.  57 


ACT  THE  FIFTH 

Scene  I. — A  highway  near  and  leading  to  Calvary. 

NICODEMTJS  and  JOSEPH  OF  AEIMATHEA. 

Approaching  them  in  face, 

A   CENTURION. 

Jos.  Arim.  The  darkness  still  continues,  the  thick  clouds, 
Black  as  in  summer-showers  when  thunder  rolls, 
Have  yet  no  motion,  and  the  wind  is  still. 

Nicod.  Nor  is  there  dampness.     'T  seems  as  if  the  sky 
"Were  not  spread  with  a  level  mass  of  cloud, 
But  metal-plated,  solid  to  the  sun, 
"Which  hides  as  God  forbade  it  to  give  light 
To  this  foul  crime. 

Jos.  Arim.  What  if  he  were  the  Christ? 

Nicod.  Think'st  thou  ?    He  was  a  prophet  at  the  least, 
And  Heaven  by  this  unnatural  blackness  notes 
Its  anger  or  its  sorrow.     "Who  comes  yon  ? 

Jos.  Arim.  'T  is  he  whose  servant  Jesus  render'd  whole, 
The  good  Centurion. 

Nicod.  Doubtless  from  the  Mount. 
His  brows  are  knitted  and  his  lips  compress'd, 
His  head  cast  down.—         Hail!  com'st  thou  from  the 
scene  ? 

Centur.  Of  unjust  death  and  torture  ?    Ay.     You  Jews 
Are  a  malignant  and  a  stiff-neck'd  race ; 
3* 


58  CALVARY. 

You  know  not  your  own  fortune.    Not  at  Rome 
Had  we  so  slain  our  teachers. 

Nicod.  Athens  did, 

And  lo !  Rome's  procurator,  Pontius,  now ! 
He  had  the  power  to  stay  the  insensate  mob, 
But  in  one  breath  acquitted  and  made  over 
To  shame  and  death  the  man  his  soul  approv'd, 
Then  wash'd  his  hands,  —  as  if  the  innocent  blood 
Could  not  bespot  a  conscience  turn'd  to  steel 
By  selfish  fear  and  tyrannous  disregard 
Of  human  rights. 

Centur.  'T  is  boldly  said,  but  well. 
I  love  thee.  —    Let  us  pass  that. —    Go  ye  now 
To  see  the  end  ? 

Nicod.  "We  do.    How  bears  he  up  ? 

Centur.  Like  a  true  soldier  —  hero,  —  like  a  god ! 
But 't  is  a  horrid  sight.    I  have  seen  men  slain 
And  mangled  often,  —  felt,  yet  fought  through  all ; 
But  this  I  could  not  bear.     Go  not,  ye. 

Nicod.  Nay, 
'T  is  all,  the  last,  that  is  left  us  now  to  do. 

Jos.  Arim.  "Wast  thou  there  from  the  first  ?     Tell,  tell  us  all. 

Centur.  On  his  way  to  the  place  of  death,  a  rabble  throng, 
As  usual  in  such  scenes,  preceded,  follow'd, 
Accompanied  on  both  sides,  —  some  overjoy 'd, 
Some  simply  curious,  —  laughing,  hooting,  eager. 
But  some  there  were  more  decent,  and  with  these 
Were  women  weeping,  unrestrain'd,  though  low. 
Looking  on  these,  the  Rabbi,  who  through  all 


ACT  V.    SC.  1.  59 

Mov'd  undisturb'd,  though  sadly  serious,  said : 
"  Weep  not  for  me,  ye  daughters  of  Jerusalem ; 
"Weep  for  yourselves  and  children.     For,  behold, 
The  time  approaches  when  they  shall  call  blessed 
The  barren,  and  the  womb  that  has  not  born, 
The  paps  that  give  no  suck.     Then  shall  they  cry  : 
Fall  on  us,  O  ye  mountains  !  and  ye  cliffs, 
Conceal  us !     For,  if  in  the  yet  moist  wood 
They  do  these  things,  what  shall  be  in  the  dry?" 

Nicod.  Sad  prophecy ! 

Jos.  Arim.  And  true. 

Nicod.  But  doom'd,  not  less, 
Only  to  be  regarded  when  found  true. 

Oentur.  Arriv'd  at  the  fatal  hill,  they  strip  him  bare, 
Disputing  for  his  garments,  which  they  part. 
The  bitter  drink  is  offer'd,  and  refus'd  : 
Hero  or  god,  but  truly  sacrifice, 
He  will  not  deaden  pain.     His  hands  and  feet 
Are  nail'd  to  the  cross,  Avhich  then  is  set  erect, 
Amid  the  shouts  of  the  rabble,  and  the  sobs 
Of  some  of  the  women,  but  without  a  groan 
From  the  poor  sufferer,  who  but  op'd  his  lips 
In  prayer  for  his  torturers  :     "  Father,"  —  thus  he 

cried,  — 
"  Forgive  them  ;  for  they  know  not  what  they  do." 

Nicod.  O  more  than  human ! 

Jos.  Arim.  Like  an  angel ! 

Centur.  Say, 
'T  was  as  a  man  made  god,  a  son  of  Jove, 


60  CALVARY. 

Alone  might  speak.    But  once  lie  rais'd  his  eyes 
Slowly  to  Heaven  ;  and  oh,  with  such  a  look, 
Of  sorrow  and  pain  and  resignation  mix'd, 
Awful  yet  beautiful,  my  own  eyes  swam, 
Which  have  not  been  so  mov'd  since,  at  ten  years, 
I  saw  my  mother  die. 

Nicod.  "We  wonder  not. 

Centur.  Just  at  that  moment,  over  all  the  sky 

There  came  this  darkness,  and  the  shouts  were  hush'd, 
And  even  the  hideous  gaiety  and  jeers  — 
While  the  awe  lasted. 

Jos.  Arirn.  Staid'st  thou  there  till  now  ? 

Centur.  Only  at  intervals.     Still  around  the  cross 
The  women  sit  or  kneel,  some  bath'd  in  tears, 
Some  sobbing  softly,  some,  their  faces  hid 
In  their  spread  palms,  their  bodies  rocking  slowly 
With  a  continuous  motion  to  and  fro, 
While,  further  off,  the  men  in  various  groups, 
And  busied  variously  to  while  the  time, 
Unwearied  watch  to  see  a  brave  man  die. 

Nicod.  Is  it  near  the  end  ? 

Centur.  He  is  sinking  even  now. 
One  of  the  robbers  is  already  dead.    Before 
Ye  leave  me,  tell  me,  ye  who  know  him  well, 
What  thiuk  ye  is  this  being  for  whose  last  hour 
Jove  wraps  his  throne  in  darkness  ? 

Nicod.  If  not  man, 

Haply  he  is  that  Christ  our  prophets  told 
Should  come  to  bless  us. 


ACT  V.    SO.   1.  61 

Jos.  Arim.  But  we  have  misred 
Their  prophecies,  and  slay  where  we  should  worship. 
Centur.  I  will  go  back  with  you,  and  see  the  end. 
There  have  bean  men,  the  earth-born  sons  of  gods, 
Whom  Heaven's  high  King  has  chosen  to  dwell  with 

him, 

As  Hercules  and  JEsculapius.     This 
May  be  of  the  kind.     I  will  behold  the  end. 


62  CALVAKY. 

SCENE  II. 

Golgotha  or   Calvary. 
JESUS,  on  the  cross. 

At  its  foot,  at  one  side,  MAEY  his  mother,  MARY  HAGUALEXE, 
MARTHA,  and  other  women.  Behind  them,  Jonx.  PETER 
and  JAMES,  a  little  more  removed.  —  A  little  later,  behind 
these  latter,  NICODEMUS,  Jos.  OF  AEIMATHEA  and  the  CEX- 
TURION,  —  icho,  throughout,  speak  in  suppressed  tones.  On 
the  other  side,  a  guard  of  Roman  soldiers,  with  their  SUB- 
CENTFBIO  or  Lieutenant,  and  two  of  the  Procurator's  Lictors. 
The  PEOPLE  are  variously  dispersed  on  every  side.  Here 
and  there,  a  jew  of  letter  condition  ;  among  whom,  and  near 
the  cross,  the  SCRIBE  and  ELDER,  interlocutors  in  previous 
scenes. 

One  of  the  People.  Thou  who  destroyest  the  Temple  and 

again 
In  three  days  buildest  it,  come  down. 

Another.  Not  yet. 

The  Christ  sav'd  others,  or  profess'd  to  save. 
Himself  he  cannot. 

Another.  If  the  Son  of  God, 
Come  down,  and  we  will  worship  thee. 

Scribe.  Dost  hear  ? 

King  of  the  Jews,  descend  from  thy  high  throne, 
That  we  may  look  on  thee  and  kiss  thy  feet. 
Elder.  Those  feet  are  bloody,  and  those  gory  hands 


ACT  V.    SC.  2.  63 

Look  not  like  godhood.     Yet  we  will  believe, 

If  thou  wilt  loose  thyself  and  come  to  us. 
Centur.  Noble,  tmmov'd,  he  will  not  deign  reply. 

There  is  more  godhead  in  those  speechless  lips 

Than  any  human  blood  can  wash  away. 
Nicod.  But  lo,  his  mother  speaks. 

Mary.  My  sou !  my  son ! 

"What  shall  I  do  when  thou  art  gone  from  me ! 
John.  He  heeds  thee  not ;  his  mind  is  far  away. 
Magd.  No,  he  looks  on  ye  both.     Alas,  alas ! 

Those  dying  eyes !     O  God  ! 

Jesus.  Behold, 

"Woman,  thy  son.     And  thou,  behold  thy  mother. 
John.  She  shall  indeed  be  unto  me  a  mother, 

And  I  from  this  day.  Lord,  will  be  her  son. 
Martha.  Be  comforted. 

Mary.  Talk  not  to  me  of  comfort. 

Look  on  those  lips, — is  any  comfort  there  ? 

Those  pallid  cheeks  blood-spotted,  and  those  eyes 

That  call  in  vain  on  Heaven.     O  my  son! 

"Would  I  had  never  born  thee  for  this  day  ; 

Or  would  that  I  had  died  ere  it  was  come! 

O  Jesus !     0  my  son !  my  son ! 

Centur.  Look  now ! 

The  end  approaches.     'T  is  the  dying  thirst 

That  tortures. 

Nicod.  Yet  the  immortal  soul  yields  not. 

His  head  droops  lower.     "Was  not  that  a  sigh  ? 
Mary.  Speak  to  me  once  again.     Dost  thon  not  henr  me  ? 


64  CALVARY. 

Dost  thou  yet  suffer  greatly,  O  my  son  ? 
Nicod.  lie  hears  her  not.     He  is  past  human  sound. 
Still  lower  sinks  the  head. 

Jos.  Arim.  He  lifts  it  now. 
Centur.  There  is  again  that  look  I  told  ye  of. 
Jesus.  My  God!  my  God!  "Why,  why  hast  Thou  forsook  me? 
People.  Hear  to  him  there  ;  he  calls  upon  his  god. 
Why  comes  he  not  to  aid  him  ? 

Sub-centurion.  Peace,  thou  Jew ! 
He  bears  him  in  a  way  to  teach  you  all. 
This  to  release  him.     [Takes  a  spear  from  a  soldier  and 

pierces  the  side  of  Jesus. 
People.  Hark !  he  speaks  again. 

Jesus.  My  God !  my  God !  into  thy  hands  —  I  yield  — 
My  spirit.  —    It  is  finish'd. 

Mary.  Jesus  !    Son  I. 


ACT  V.   SC.  3.  65 

SCENE  III. 

As  in  Act  /.,  Sc.  1. 

RAPHAEL.  MICHAEL. 

CHOKUS  OF  ANGELS. 

Chorus. 

"  'T  is  finish'd."    In  the  wintry  air 

The  blood  congealing 

Is  not  renew'd. 

That  pale  head,  with  its  thorn-encircled  hair 

Matted  and  glu'd 

With  gore-drops  from  the  spine-pierc'd  forehead 

stealing, 

Presses  and  crimson-spots  his  shoulder  bare, 
Like  the  stark  limbs  revealing 
That  human  sense  and  feeling 
No  more  are  there. 


Silent,  their  cruel  mood 

No  longer  keeping, 

The  murderers  stare 

On  the  dead  Lamb  with  eyes  that  no  more  rude 

With  malice  glare. 


66  CALVAKY. 

The  pall  lias  left  the  sky ;  the  breeze  comes  sweeping 
Over  the  Mount ;  all  other  sounds  subdu'd 
As  if  the  slain  were  sleeping,  — 
Save  from  the  women  weeping 
Around  the  rood. 


O  for  the  wo  we  bear ! 

The  Lord  of  Heaven 

By  angels  view'd 

Between  two  sinful  men  stretch'd  bleeding  there, 

Mangled  and  nude. 

O  for  the  wo !    lo,  they  to  whom  't  is  given 

The  Incarnate  God  for  sepulture  prepare. 

The  Mother  sits  heart-riven, 

Weeps  the  frail  Mary  driven 

l^igh  to  despair. 


Triumph  now  Hell's  grim  brood, 

In  harsh  song  yelling 

Their  blitheness  rare. 

They  see  but  shame  and  torture  in  the  rood, 

"Wo  and  despair. 

But  other  sounds  will  shake  their  flame-girt  dwelling, 

When  from  the  vault  the  Lord,  with  power  indu'd, 

Eeturns  to  Heaven,  dispelling 

The  grief  our  hearts  now  swelling, 

With  happier  mood. 


ACT  V.    SC.  3.  67 


.  Hell's  joy  is  futile  as  our  wo  in  Heaven, 
And  more  unmeet. 

It  is  our  triumph  now  and  their  defeat. 
The  heart  of  Mary  may  with  grief  be  riven  ; 
But  in  that  pallid,  blood-stain'd  human  shape, 
The  Almighty  Father  sees  His  Chosen  One, 
The  Lamb  through  whose  atoning  blood  escape 
Eve's  forfeit  race,  even  those  by  whom  is  done 
This  deed  of  shame,  and  owns  with  joy  the  Son, 
"Whose  fight  with  mortal  trials,  well  begun, 
Is  now  complete. 

Mich.  "Wait  not  until  the  Sepulchre  shall  ope  : 
Now,  now  rejoice. 

Those  livid  limbs  need  not  the  hue  of  hope 
To  color  them  with  beauty  like  the  rose, 
And  the  red  wounds,  through  which  no  longer  flows 
The  Virgin's  blood, 
Have  each  for  fallen  man  a  voice, 
"Would  he  but  listen,  loud  as  Ocean's  flood. 

Raph.  Deep  in  the  listening  skies 

The  accents  penetrate :  Rejoice !  it  cries. 
Ascends  to  grateful  Heaven  the  tone, 
The  death-cry  of  the  slaughter'd  one, 
The  Lamb  of  Sacrifice. 

Mich.  And  lo,  the  awe-hush'd  Seraphim 

Lift  up  the  clos'd  lids  of  their  glowing  eyes. 
And  soon  their  rapture-breathing  song  shall  rise 
In  ecstacy  of  grateful  love  to  Him, 
The  Light  from  its  own  brightness  dim, 


68  CALVAKY. 

The  Source  Unseen  where,  bubbling  to  the  brim, 

The  Fount  of  Being  lies. 
Eaph.  And  see,  the  eternal  lights  divine 

That  circle  round  the  aye-hidden  Throne, 

Orb  within  orb  of  fire, 

Begin  with  wonted  blaze  to  shine. 

The  flame  within,  whose  awful  glare  alone 

No  Seraph's  eyes  dare  gaze  upon, 

"Will  upward  soon  aspire. 
Mich.  And  hark,  again  the  ecstatic  tone 

Struck  from  each  golden  lyre  ! 

CHOETJS. 

Joy  in  the  Highest !     Ere 
Earth's  star  has  risen 
Three  times,  the  tomb  shall  tear 
Open  its  prison. 

Then  shall  the  Lord  appear 
In  his  soul's  whiteness, 
No  crown  his  brow  shall  wear, 
Only  its  brightness. 

Not  while  the  World  shall  last 
Men  shall  more  view  him, 
Not  till  the  trumpet's  blast 
Summons  them  to  him. 


ACT  V.    SO.  3.  69 

Then  shall  the  gates  of  Hell 
Open  more  never, 
Then  shall  the  righteous  dwell 
With  him  forever. 

Oh  come,  thou  welcome  time, 
"When  the  Lord,  risen, 
Leaves  the  World's  wo  and  crime 
"With  the  tomb's  prison ! 


SCENE  IV. 

As  in  Act  II.,  Sc.  1. 

LTJOIFEK.    BEELZEBUB.    OHOEUS  OF  EVIL  SPIRITS. 

Chorus. 

Flames  that  circle  Hell, 
Lift  your  waves  rejoicing, 
"With  your  roar  loud- voicing 
"What  we  feel  so  well, 


70  CALVARY. 

O'er  the  wo  of  Heaven, 
Whence  we  fell. 

For  the  deed  is  doue. 
In  the  Earth's  chill  air, 
Naked,  nail'd,  and  bleeding, 
Stretch'd  upon  the  tree, 
Suffering  pains  exceeding 
Those  we  hourly  bear, 
Pains  the  Christ  might  shun, 
Will'd  he  to  be  free, 
See  stretch'd  bleeding  there, 
On  the  midmost  tree, 
'Twixt  a  robber  pair, 
God's  anointed  Son. 
On  his  pain-drawn  brow 
Beads  of  sweat  are  lying, 
With  the  blood-drops  vying 
Oozing  large  and  slow 
Through  his  thorn-crqwn'd  hair. 

See  that  head  droop  low  ; 
See  the  red  stream  falling 
Down  his  side,  and  now 
Hear  his  pale  lips  calling, 
Calling  Heaven  to  spare, 
In  a  prayer, 
Where  if  human  weakness, 


ACT  V.    SC.  4.  71 

Conquering  his  meekness, 
Forces  not  a  groan, 
Yet  is  all  the  tone 
Of  despair. 

Ah,  the  head  droops  lower, 
Ah,  the  blood  drops  slower, 
Listless  is  his  air. 
Look,  ye  sons  of  Heaven  I 
We,  the  unforgiven, 
Do  we  triumph  there  ? 
"Wounds  that  we  are  feeling 
Find  therein  their  healing, 
Though  that  blood  be  sealing 
Our  despair. 

Let  the  tomb  close  o'er  him, 
Let  his  Saints  deplore  him, 
Hosts  in  Heaven  adore  him  ; 
Ours  is  not  the  loss. 
Weary  though  we  languish, 
Though  with  heart's  pain  aching, 
Yet  our  woes  find  slaking 
In  the  sweat  and  anguish 
Of  the  Cross. 

Lucif.  Peace,  thoughtless  that  ye  are !    'T  is  true  I  said 
The  Incarnate  God  was  dying,  true,  is  dead. 
But  this  is  not  our  triumph ;  and  your  song, 
So  ill  elate, 


2  CALVAKY. 

Should  rather  wail  the  dead,  whose  human  fate 

Sets  free  mankind  and  makes  your  chains  more  strong. 

Eeelz.  How  should  that  be?    The  disappointed  Jew3, 
Who  look  for  their  Messiah  in  a  king, 
Even  common  faith  refuse 
To  all  the  man-god's  works,  and  lend  no  ear 
To  what  their  prophets  sung,  and,  should  he  rise 
Before  them  all,  would  close  their  bigot  eyes, 
And  to  their  disbelief  more  closely  cling, 
Though  they  should  angels  hear. 

Luclf.  'T  is  not  the  risen  Christ,  the  dead  I  fear. 

Those  wounds,  that  sweat,  that  dying  cry  to  God, 
These  are  the  traits  which  in  all  time  to  come 
Shall  make  him  lov'd  wherever  man  has  trod, 
And  keep  the  skeptic  dumb. 
The  soul  that  had  its  sorrows  like  their  own, 
The  Virgin  Mother  that  bewail'd  her  son, 
The  tortur'd  flesh,  the  heart-wrung  prayer,  the  groan, 
By  these  will  faith  be  won. 
Man  keeps  for  man  alone  his  sympathies, 
And  truly  follows  only  what  he  sees. 
Before  the  God  unseen,  the  Christ  ensky'd, 
"The  knee  may  worship,  but  the  thoughts  run  wide  : 
But  paint  the  blood-stain'd  rood,  or,  scene  more  mild, 
The  earth-born  Mother  with  her  sleeping  Child, 
The  heart  then  bends,  self-love,  enlarged,  refin'd, 
Lends  its  warm  color  to  the  colder  mind ; 
Each  woman  smiles  as  Mary's  self  has  smil'd, 
And  nobler  man  his  steadfast  spirit's  pride 
And  suffering  frame,  where  torment  is  beguil'd 


ACT  V.    SC.  4.  73 

By  sense  of  wrong  inflicted  and  defy'd, 
Sees  in  Christ  crucify 'd. 

Beelz.  Fades  then  our  hope  in  air  ?    Not  such  of  late 

Spok'st  thou  this  god.     Now  stoop'st  thou  to  admire  ? 

Lucif.  Ay,  without  stint,  though  all  the  while  I  hate. 
Shall  I  be  blind  where  mope-ey'd  mortals  see  ? 
"Were  I  not  what  I  am,  I  would  be  He. 
And  yet,  I  fling  defiance  unto  fate, 
Here,  in  this  realm  of  fire, 

Where  even  though  thou,  and  all,  of  wo  should  tire 
And  bend  in  penitence  the  adoring  knee, 
I  am  what  I  have  been,  and  dare  be  free 
Despite  both  Son  and  Sire. 
No,  all  is  as  before.     Though  Christ  has  bled, 
Yet  Man  shall  not  yet  bruise  the  Serpent's  head. 
He  who  has  once  beguil'd  can  still  deceive, 
And  Adam's  heirs  are  yet  the  sons  of  Eve. 
Some  will  be  better'd,  but,  while  tongues  adore, 
Man's  carnal  heart  beats  stubborn  as  before. 
The  common  work  none  perfect,  all  begin, 
And  what  the  Christian  worship,  yet  to  be, 
Shall  bid  men  flee  from  as  the  Devil  and  Sin, 
Shall  tempt,  delight,  and  torture,  o'er  and  o'er, 
And,  like  their  Mother,  make  them  slaves  to  me, 
Till  the  last  Conflagration  sets  them  free, 
And  time,  and  Earth,  and  Hell  shall  be  no  more. 

Beelz.  Then  raise  again  your  joy-song  as  before, 
Ye  Spirits  who  float  upon  this  sulphurous  air, 
And  pierce  the  Heaven,  which  was  your  home  of  yore, 
"With  notes  of  exultation  and  of  scorn  ; 
4 


74  CALVARY. 

For  grief  shall  find  an  echo  even  there, 
•    While  Adam's  sons  of  Adam's  flesh  are  born 
And  Eve's  frail  kind  shall  suckle  those  they  bear. 

CHORUS  —  in  the  distance. 

Flames  that  circle  Hell, 
Lift  your  waves  rejoicing, 
"With  your  roar  loud-voicing 
What  we  feel  so  well, 
O'er  the  wo  of  Heaven, 
Whence  we  fell. 


ISTOTES 


NOTES    TO    CALVARY 


1. — P.  6.  Since  tfie  hid  daggers  of  my  faithful  men,  &c.]  "CSaruv 
Se  frrayuyriv  eis  ra  'lfpoffo\v^.a,  K.  T.  \.  In  brief,  thus :  Pilate  intro- 
duced water  into  Jerusalem  at  the  expense  of  the  sacred  treasure.  The 
Jews  took  this  in  dudgeon,  and  in  great  crowds — which  the  historian 
has  exaggerated  into  myriads  (iro\\ai  . . .  yuuptaSes)  endeavored  to  force 
him  by  their  tumult  to  desist,  using  even  personal  abuse.  The  Proc- 
urator thereupon  had  some  of  his  soldiers  dressed  in  the  Jewish  garb, 
who  carried  cudgels  under  their  habits  (ffKvra.\as  viro  rais  crroA.ais)  ;* 


*  2«uToAas  is  translated  by  Hudson  (Oxon.  in  fol.  1720.  t.  ii.  p.  798)  "  sicas," 
and  by  Whiston  with  the  corresponding,  "  daggers."  But  the  word  cannot  sig- 
nify, in  this  place,  anything  but  either  scourges  (leathern :  Th.  JTKVTOS,  cerium) 
or  cudgels ;  and  I  see  Gelenius  gives  it  this  latter  sense :  "  clam  armatos 
fustibus"  (Anliq.  fol.  Lugd.,  1566):  the  correctness  of  which  is  confirmed  by 
another  account  of  the  same  affair  in  the  History,  where  Josephus  uses  the 
word  fuAou,  which  indicates  the  very  material,  wood  (sticks),  though  that  the 
use  of  the  dagger,  or  of  the  short  Roman  sword,  is  implied,  might  be  sup- 
posed from  what  the  historian  subsequently  says,  when  recording  the  result : 
wore  otOTrXoi  Ai^ei-res  \nf  avSpuv  eic  jrapaoveeurjs  eiri<f>epoij.fv<av,  n-oAAoi  /u,ev 
avruv  ravTjj  KOU  ajreOyTjoxoi',  61  Se  K<U  Tpav/iOTiai  ave\<api\<ra.v.  But  unfortu- 


78  NOTES  TO 


and  when  the  assemblage  refused  to  disperse,  these  men,  at  a  precon- 
certed signal,  began  to  lay  about  them  indiscriminately,  and  with  a 
severity  that  transcended  their  orders.  The  Jews  with  their  national 
obstinacy  persisting,  the  soldiers,  it  would  seem,  for  it  is  not  directly 
asserted,  used  their  ordinary  weapons  against  the  unarmed  multitude, 
so  that  many  perished  and  others  departed  wounded.  Jos.  Antiq.,  lib. 
xviii.  c.  5.  ex  ed.  RICHTER,  in  12mo.  Lips.  1S26.  t.  iv.  p.  131,  sq. 


2. — P.  7.     To  Antipasfor  sentence.]    Two  of  the  other  readings  may 
serve  to  elucidate  the  text. 


Send  him  then 


To  Antipas.    I  would  have  peace  restor'd 

"Twixt  him  and  me  ;  and  this  man,  thus  remanded, 


nately  for  this  supposition,  Josephus  has,  in  Ms  usual  way,  with  some  varia- 
tions and  contradictions,  repeated,  as  I  have  said,  the  story  in  his  Wars,  and 
there  we  have  not  only  a  renewed  evidence  of  Pilate's  moderation,  who  posi- 
tively forbid  the  use  of  the  sword  (f  i<J>ei  ii.iv  xpi<ra<70<u  (cuAvaas),  but  the  result 
is  made  to  arise  solely  from  the  cudgeling  and  from  the  precipitation  of  the 
crowd  who  trod  down  one  another  in  then:  flight :  TunrofieKx.  6e  61  lovSaioi, 
jroAAot  /JLCV  viro  Tiav  irkr/yiav,  jroXAot  5e  iiiro  (r<t><av  avriav  ev  177  </>uyj)  Ka.Ta.ita.Ti]6fv- 
res  anro\<avro.  Sell.  Jud.  Lib.  II.  c.  ix.  §  4.  p.  219.  t.  vi.  ed.  supra  cit.  As  there 
is  a  doubt  however,— for  here  too  the  soldiers  are  described  as  armed, — I  have 
chosen  that  phrase  which  suits  best  my  occasion. 

I  may  add  that  Eusebius,  who  quotes  this  passage  from  the  History  entire, 
(.Hist.  Eccles.  II.  c.  vi.  p.  154,  sq.  t.  xx.  Palrologiie  Grtec.  ed.  MIGNE.  Par.  8°. 
1857,)  speaks  of  this  disastrous  tumult  as  if  it  were  a  punishment  for  the  cruci- 
fixion of  the  Saviour.  Was  it  then  after  that  event  ?  But  he  has  committed  an 
error,  as  the  commentator  shows  (i'Zi.)>  directly  before  it,  in  ascribing  alike  to  the 
divine  vengeance  the  tumult  occasioned  by  the  introduction  of  the  Boman 
ensigns  with  their  images,  (.Bell.  Jud.  xx.  ix.  2  &  3,.)  whereas  we  are  told  that 
that  happened  in  the  beginning  of  the  administration  of  Pilate,  which  was 
in  the  12th  year  of  Tiberius,  three  years  before  Christ's  baptism. 


CALVARY  79 


Will  show  the  Tetrarch,  when  the  rebel  blood 

Of  Galileans  stain'd  my  soldiers'  swords, 

I  thought  not  of  his  rights,  and  meant  no  scorn. 

Otherwise : 

Will  show  the  Tetrarch,  'twas  not  in  my  thought 
To  invade  his  jurisdiction,  when  the  blood 
Of  Galileans  stain'd  my  soldiers'  swords. 

See  Luke  xiii.  1.  and  xxiii.  6,  7.  and  a  note  in  Wbiston  at  the  pre- 
ceding passage  of  Josephus. 

3. — P.  24.  ...  the  sea  wliich  God  loves.}  The  Sea  of  Galilee.  A 
proverbial  expression  with  the  ancient  Jews. 

4. — P.  52.  Beware  thou  then  . . .  for  God  decrees  In  retribution  vio- 
lent ends  to  those  Who  practice  violence.']  According  to  Eusebius,  who 
gives  a  little  chapter  of  his  History  especially  to  the  event,  Pilate  was 
reported  to  have  fallen,  in  the  reign  of  Caius,  into  such  calamities,  that 
in  sheer  desperation  *  he  became  his  own  destroyer  and  self-punisher, 
vindicating  thus  the  divine  justice :  TTJS  betas,  &s  eoixe,  SJ/CTJS  OVK  (is 
pattpov  O.VTOV  fj.eTf\Srovffris.  Hist.  Eccl.  II.  7.  ex  recens.  BURTON  ;  Oxon. 
in  8°.  1845  ;  p.  40.  The  same  still  more  briefly  in  Chronicor.  Lib.  II. 
(ap.  Migne,  ubi  cit.  xix.  p.  557-S).  But  here  he  advances  as  authority 


*  In  a  note  on  the  phrase,  ej  avayxris,  the  commentator  in  Migne  (Patrolog. 
Grsec.  t.  xx.  p.  155)  cites  King  Agrippa  (op.  Philon.  in  Legal,  ad  Caium),  who, 
having  been  an  eye-witness  of  the  doings  of  Pilate,  describes  his  character. 
Apart  from  the  man's  natural  disposition,  which  is  said  to  have  been  unyield- 
ing, arrogant  and  harsh,  his  corruptibility,  rapacity,  and  acts  of  oppression,  and 
of  violence  even  to  homicide,  were  not  peculiar  to  him  as  a  Roman  governor 
in  the  times  of  the  Empire. 


80  NOTES   TO    CALVARY 


certain  unnamed  writers  of  Roman  story— us  Qaffiv  ol  ra.  'Pu/j.a.tcav 
ffuyypatyafj.ei'oi—a.s  before  he  bad  ascribed  the  talc  to  certain  Greek 
chroniclers. t 


t  What  degree  of  credit  may  be  assigned  to  Eusebius  as  a  narrator  of  events 
may  be  judged  by  what  Scaliger  says  :  "  Eusebius,  quo  nullus  ecclesiasticorum 
veterum  plura  ad  historiam  Christiamsmi  contulit ;  nullus  plura  errata  in 
scriptis  suis  rcliquit,  &c. — (in  Elencho  Trihter.  c.  27.  Veter.  Testim,  c.  Euseb. 
in  Patrol.  Qrsec.  i.  xix.  p.  98.)  The  same  (16.  cit.),  assigns  hun  much  reading, 
but  little  judgment. 


VIRGINIA 


MDCCCXLVn 


CIIARACTEKS 

Primary 

Lucius  Icinus,   plebeian  of  tribunitial  rank. 
APPIUS  CLAUDIUS,    chief  decemvir. 

"]  senators   of   consular    rank, 
Lucius  VALEBIUS  POTITUS,        I  Jwstiie  to  the  j)eccmxir8  and 

MAKCUS  HOEATIUS  BAEBATUS,  [friendly  to  the  rights  of  the 

)  people. 

SPUEIUS  OPPIUS,    colleague  ofAppius  in  the  city. 
Lucius  VIBGINIUS,   father  of  Virginia. 
MAECUS  CLAUDIUS,    client  ofAppius. 
AULUS  LUCEETIUS,  )  senators, 

TITUS  QUINCTIUS,     \friends  of  Horatius  and  Valerius. 
PUBLIUS  NUMITOBIUS,    maternal  uncle  of  Virginia. 

VIEGINIA. 

ICILIA,    sister  of  Icilius. 

Li  VIA,    a  creature  of  M.  Claudius. 

Of  secondary  importance 
2o  CITIZEN. 
IST  CITIZEN. 
A  MATBON  (termed  in  the  final  scene  1st  Matron.) 

Other  persons  —  of  no  distinctiw  character 

CAIUS  NUMITOBIUS,  son  ofPullius,  and  Virginia's  cousin. 
QUINTUS  ICILIUS,  brother  of  Lucius. 
A  LETTEE-CAEEIEE  (Tabellarius)  ofAppius. 
LUCILLA,  Virginia's  nurse. 

Citizens;   Matrons;    Nobles,  partisans  ofAppius;  Lictors ; 
Soldiers  ;  a  Messenger  in  waiting  ;  a  Herald  or  Crier . 


SCENE.     Various  places  in  Rome  —  cldefly  at  the  Forum. 

In  Act  III.,  Sc.  3,  in  a  diversorium  (or  inn)  near  Some. 
TIME.     That  occupied  by  the  representation. 
COSTUMES.     Those  of  the  early  republic. 


VIRGINIA 


ACT    THE    FIRST 
Scene  I.  A  room  in  the  house  of  Appius  Claudius. 

APPIUS  ;  SPUKIUS  OPPIUS  ; 

with  certain  young  NOBLES,  partisans 

of  APPIUS.  —    At  a  little  distance,  MAKCUS  CLAUDIUS. 

Spur.  Yet,  have  a  care !      Stretch  thou  the  cord  too  much, 
It  snaps  i'  the  midst,  and  the  recoil  offends  thee. 

App.  Tush  !  Know  I  not  the  strength  of  every  strand  ? 
'T  will  bear  the  strain.     I'll  force  the  dull  mass  down, 
Set  my  foot  on  it,  and  so  keep  it  there, 
Till  ye  have  drawn  the  string.     'T  is  not  a  hydra  ; 
And  if  it  were,  we  nobles  in  our  strength 
Wield  the  huge  club  should  crush  its  thousand  heads. 
If  not,  so  .be  it !    retire  ;  and  I  alone, 
As  my  great-grandsire,  the  first  Appius,  swore, 
Alone  will  do  it! 


4  VIRGINIA. 

Spur.  And  alone  will  fail. 
Thou  speak'st  as  if  the  people  were  one  mass ! 
"With  all  its  heads,  the  snake  had  bnt  one  body ; 
This  has  more  bodies,  though  it  h:is  fewer  heads. 

App.  I  speak  of  it  as  it  is ;  one  mass,  one  head, 
Flock,  if  thou  wilt,  of  many  thousand  sheep. 
A  single  man  may  pin  them  in  one  fold. 

A  Noble.  And  sheer,  and  slaughter  them. 

Spur.  But  then,  observe, 

He  feeds  them  too.     'T  is  what  the  unfolded  flock, 
Our  people,  bleat  for  :   Give  us  lands,  they  cry. 

Noble.    And  free  us  of  our  collars. 

App.  And  what  else  ? 
Let  the  brutes  earn  their  freedom  first.     For  lands  — 

When  they  have  paid  for  what  they  browze  on,  why 

It  is  not  many  years  since  Caius  Marcius 

Drove,  all  but  single-handed,  troop  on  troop 

Of  Volscians  back  into  Corioli, 

And  fired  it  in  their  faces.    Know  ye  why  ? 

They  were  the  rabblement,  your  bleating  sheep. 

He  knew  and  scorn'd  them.    And  they  bent  their  backs, 

Because  their  hearts  were  craven  and  they  felt 

He  knew  and  scorn'd  them.     Had  he  back'd  one  step  — 

On  his  Mars-visage  had  they  read  one  doubt  — 

They  had  turu'd,  as  curs  do ;  and  his  after-name 

Caius  had  lack'd. 

Spur.  What  did  it  profit  him  ? 
He  show'd  the  same  mien  to  the  people  here  — 
Flouted  their  tribunes  —  and,  with  all  his  valor, 
He  died  in  exile. 


ACT  I.    SC.  1.  85 

App.  Ay  —  because  he  flinch'd. 
Thou  mayst  look,  Spurius ;  't  is  the  naked  fact. 
Did  not  all  Rome  lie  prostrate  at  his  feet, 
Bleeding,  exhausted  ?  grovel  in  the  dust, 
Admit  his  wrongs,  and  pray  to  be  forgiven  ? 
He  might  have  made  conditions,  as  I  would, 
And  bound  the  rabble  in  their  chains  for  ever. 

But  in  his  heart,  right  royal  though  it  was 

Why  look  ye  fnghten'd  ?  all  your  hearts,  I  trust, 

Are  royal  —  that  is,  made  for  kingly  rule, 

As  fits  a  noble,  though  he  be  of  Rome. 

And  Caius'  heart  was  royal,  though  not  strong, 

Not  wholly  so  ;  it  hid  one  tender  spot. 

His  wife  and  mother  kneel'd  to  him ;  and  the  face 

That  scar'd  a  thousand  foes  wept  woman's  tears. 

Spur.  "Wouldst  thou  have  trod  upon  the  womb  that  bore 
theo  ? 

App.  "Why,  no ;  I  see  no  need  of  that :  I  had  bid 

The  woman  mind  her  spinning,  and  stepp'd  over. 
By  Hercules  !  methinks  that  with  my  twelve 
Poor  lictors,  I  alone  could  awe  this  mob  ! 
But  while  our  colleagues,  and  you,'noble  friends, 
Stand  by  our  side,  against  our  serried  force 
"What  shall  make  head  ?    The  Fabii  all  alone, 
Six  and  three-hundred  only,  but  all  born 
Patrician  as  are  we,  against  a  host 

Stood  up  and  battled 

Spur.  And  fell  down,  and  died, 
All  to  a  man. 

App.  Thou  bird  of  evil  omen  ! 


86  VIRGINIA. 

The  shadow  of  thy  wings,  three  times  this  hour,1 
Hath  gloom'd  my  sunniest  prospect.     I  had  thought 
Thou,  Spurius,  wast  my  right  hand. 

Spur.  And  I  am. 

The  wings  thou  givest  me  flap  before  thine  eyes, 
Not  to  deter,  but  check.     The  gloom  they  cast 
Is  transient,  partial,  chills  not,  and  is  needed. 
Thy  ardent  temper  spreads  a  light  too  broad, 
Too  vivid  on  thy  outward  path.     All  shines, 
One  blaze  of  sunlight ;  crags  look  smooth,  and  chasms 
Show  no  disruption  —  where  thou  'It  find,  too  soon, 
Kocks  Atlas-high,  and  fissures  deep  as  Hell. 

App.  Does  the  way  fright  thee  ? 

Spur.  Scarcely  more  than  thee. 
And  't  were  too  late.     If  thou  go  down,  my  head, 
Be  sure,  rests  not  unmuffled. 

App.  Now,  no  more.  — 
Are  we  resolv'd?     The  senate,  all  our  order, 
Will  not  erase  one  letter  of  their  rights  ; 
And  the  decemvirate  shall  not  expire, 
To  give  place  to  the  people's  tribunes  ? 

All  nobles.  No! 

Spur.  Valerius  and  Horatius  would  say,  Ay. 

App.  Lucius  Valerius  !     Have  not  all  his  name 
Cring'd  to  the  rabble,  since  the  consul's  day, 
Who  bow'd  his  valiant  knee  to  this  mud  idol, 

And  gain'd what  for  it  ?   The  people  laid  him  out ! 2 

He  had  not  left  an  ounce  to  pay  for  torches, 
This  good  Publicola !     Odious  after-name ! 

Spur.  Thou  need'st  not  fear ;  no  Claudius  will  deserve  it. 


ACT  I.    SC.   1.  87 

App.  No  Appius  has.     The  people,  did  they  hate 
My  grandsire,  as  his  sire,  fear'd  him  more. 
They  honor'd  too  his  obsequies,  for  all 
Their  tribunes'  clamor.    Let  them  honor  mine, 
I  reck  not ;  but  I  will  be  fear'd  as  he. 
I  set  not,  I,  the  goddess  of  the  sewers 
Above  high  Jove !  —    For  young  Horatius'  voice, 
'T  is  not  so  potent  as  a  tribune's  veto. 

Spur.  Yet  has  a  clear  loud  tone  that  makes  it  heard. 
Witness  that  day,  so  recent,  when  our  right 
To  call  the  senate  for  the  instant  war 
Met  question.     Thou  might'st  thank  Cornelius  then, 
"When  Lucius  from  the  senate-porch  made  cry 
Unto  the  people,  his  arms  about  thee  cast 
Sav'd  thee  from  violence,  and  us  both  from  ruin.3 
The  Fathers  all,  but  that  they  hate  the  commons, 
Would  join  these  madmen,  and  the  temple's  walls, 
Sacred  in  vain,  once  more  reverberate 
The  tribunes'  thunder  —  haply  from  the  throne 
Of  thy  sworn  enemy,  Icilius. 

App.  Ah ! 

Thou  dost  remind  me.  —    Noble  friends  f  to-night 
Meet  we  again  in  secret,  and  our  plans, 
Already  ripening,  make  mature.     The  suu 
Warns  me  we  nigh  to  mid-day,  when  I  sit 
For  justice.     Kseso,  bring  thy  brother  over. 
Thy  uncle,  Op'iter,  shall  have  all  he  asks. 
Mutins,  thou  wilt  not  fail  me  ?    All,  farewell. 

[Exeunt  Nolles. 


88  VIRGINIA. 

Sjiur.  'T  was  time. 

App.  Most  true.     Thy  evil  genius,  Spurius, 
Had  got  dominion  of  thee.     Was  it  well, 
To  cross  my  arguments,  and  fright  those  boys  ? 
Spur.  Who  need  no  Pan.    Didst  thou  not  note,  thyself, 
How  pale  they  grew  ?  thou  didst  but  hint  at  kings. 
Thou  art  too  fiery. 

App.  And  thou  waxest  cold. 
Spur.  I  have  had  a  dream. 

App.  A  dream ! 

Spur.  'T  was  at  mid-day. 
I  saw  the  tender  spot,  which  Marcius  had, 
Spread  over  thy  whole  heart,  and  Rome  again 
Lost  to  her  conqueror  for  a  woman's  tear. 
App.  Thou  hast  no  mercy. 

Spur.  Will  the  people  have  ? 
Was  there  in  Rome  no  other  girl  but  this  ? 
Virginias'  daughter,  and  the  plighted  spouse 
Of  dread  Icilius  !     If  the  father's  merit 
Wake  not  the  mob,  that  will  the  lover's  tongue. 
Were  she  hedg'd  in  with  fire,  't  were  peril  less 
To  conic  at  her.  —    Thou  heed'st  mo  not.     I  see, 
The  madness  which  no  hellebore  can  heal 
Will  have  its  course.     I  leave  thee  to  thy  client. 

[Exit. 

App.  Come  hither,  Marcus.    Is  this  thing  of  thine 

How  didst  thou  name  her  ? 

Mar.  Livia,  noble  patron. 
App.  Is  she  prepar'd  ?     Will  she  go  through  the  part  ? 


ACT  I.    SC.   1.  89 

Mar.  Through,  and  with  spirit,  such  as  gives  revenge. 
The  wrong  she  fancies  that  Virginius  did  her,  — 
Some  such  a  wrong  as  one  might  do  a  fig, 
"Who  found  it  rotten,  throwing  it  away,  — 
This  rankles  in  her  heart  —  and  that,  a  woman's. 
I'll  answer  for  her. 

App.  Do  my  lictors  wait  ? 

Mar.  They  guard  the  vestibule,  most  noble  Appius. 

App.  While  thou  shalt  help  me  to  dispose  my  mantle,4 
I'll  question  further.  '• —    This  way.  —    But,  remember ! 
I'll  have  no  stumbling.     If  she  trips,  her  life 
Shall  pay  for  it. 

Mar.  My  own  upon  her  faith  ! 


90  VIRGINIA. 

SCENE  II. 
The  Atrium,  or  quadrangular  Hall,  in  the  house  of  Icilius. 

VIRGINIA,  with  spindle  and  distaff,  spinning  wool. 
ICILIA,  weaving  at  a  small  loom  (before  which  she  stands, 

as  in  the  antique  fashion,  working  upwards). 
A  little  distance  removed,  ~but  seated,  Virginia's  nurse, 

winding  the  thread  for  Virginia. 

lea.  Our  fears,  I  have  heard  my  brother  say,  Virginia, 
Make  omens  for  us,  and  our  heart's  own  line 
Gives  accidental  color  to  these  things 
Which  in  themselves  are  nothing.     Not  but  Jove, 
In  matters  which  concern  the  general  weal, 
May  give  us  warnings,  which  his  augurs  gather, 
From  the  dread  thunder,  or  from  birds  and  beasts : 
But  that  each  atom  of  the  mighty  mass 
Should  for  its  pettiest  movements  need,  or  needing, 
Keceive  celestial  guidance,  staggers  sense, 
And  blasphemously  littles  the  great  gods  above  us. 

Va.  How  well  thou  talkest! 

lea.  It  is  Lucius,  all.  — 

That  sweet  lip's  sadness,  let  my  kiss  dispel  it. 
The  thrill  of  thy  heart's  longing  makes  thee  tremble  :  — 
Two  little  days,  and  thou  and  Lucius  one  ! 
It  seems  a  dream :  thou  fearest  to  awaken. 
This  must  be  all.     The  vile  decemvir's  passion 
Cannot  aifright  thee  now.     Thy  valiant  fathei 
Ere  sunset  will  have  come  :  the  pressing  message, 


ACT  I.   SC.  2.  91 

Borne  by  thy  cousin  and  my  brother  Quiutus, 
Leaves  him  no  choice. 

Va.  Ah,  did  he  know  the  cause! 
That  Koine,  to  guard  whose  honor,  though  already 
Defended  by  a  thousand  hearts  as  brave 
As  his,  his  pious  breast  is  bar'd  in  Algidum, 
Cannot  from  insult  shield  the  motherless  girl 
His  absence  orphans !  — 

lea.  Better  as  it  is. 

His  wrath,  already,  for  the  people's  sake, 
Kindled  against  the  usurping  Ten,  might  there, 
There  where  alone  their  power  can  reach  his  life, 
Burst  into  flame.     Enough,  and  all  too  soon, 

When  he  shall  come.     For  Lucius 

Va.  Never, 
O  never,  may  lie  know  it ! 

lea.  5  Not  at  least 

Till  Hymen's  torch  is  lighted,  and  the  couch 
Here  spread  i'  the  hall  bids  mystery  henceforth  cease 
Twixt  him  and  thee ;  when  the  flame-color'd  veil 
Deepens  thy  blushes,  and  the  fring'd  robe  is  on  thee 
Whose  purple  border  I  am  weaving  now, 
And,  girded  with  the  woolen  belt  whose  knot 
My  brother's  hand  alone  shall  loose,  thou  standest 
Trembling  beneath  the  garland-cover'd  porch, 
And  greet'st  him  with  the  soft  yet  solemn  form, 
Where  thou  art  Caius,  I  am  Caia;  when, 
In  fine,  thou  art  plainly  as  in  heart  my  sister, 
Virginia  Icilii.     See.  Lucilla,  see! 


92  VIEGINIA. 


sadness  Las  all  vanish'd  ;  and  her  cheek  — 
Love's  own  is  not  more  rubious  !     Happy  brother  !  — 
Tell  me,  my  sister,  tell  me  now,  for  what 
Lov'st  thou  our  Lucius  most  ?    Is  't  for  his  form  ? 
His  stately  step  ?  or  for  his  manly  brow  ? 
Or  that  he  is  good  ?  or  for  his  eloquent  tongue, 
Or  valiant  heart  ?  or  - 

Fa.  Why  not  say  for  all  ? 
For  all  he  is  dear  to  me,  as  he  is  to  thee  ; 
But  most  for  what  endears  him  to  the  people  : 
For  his  upright  soul,  for  that  he  dares  be  just, 
Scorning  all  falsehood,  and  more  proud  to  be 
One  of  the  down-trod  commons,  from  whose  limbs 
"With  his  own  breast  he  wards  the  crushing  heel, 
Than  head  of  the  cruel  Claudii,  whose  proud  lords, 
From  Attus  down,  have  kept  their  iron  feet 
Ever  upon  the  people's  neck,  nor  lift  it 
But  just  so  much  as  may  give  room  to  breathe. 
For  this  my  father  loves  him,  and  for  this 
He  bade  me,  pointing  to  the  people's  hearths, 
"Where  everywhere  Icilius'  image  stands, 
Invisible  but  distinct,  nor  dreads  their  smoke, 
Sole  tutelar-god,  he  bade  me,  if  I  could, 
To  make  him  too  my  house-god,  by  the  hearth 
Of  my  yet  virgin  feelings  shrin'd  for  ever  ; 
And  —  and    [throwing    herself    on    Icilia's    breast. 
-I  did. 

lea.  [soothing  ho:}  Nor  art  asham'd,  I  hope, 


ACT  I.    SC.  2.  93 

To  have  done  it.     Weeping  ?  —  Silly  child ! Who 

comes? 

Enter,  from  the  door  of  the  hall,  LIVIA,  meanly  dressed. 
Her  cloak,  drawn  oxer  her  head,  hides  her  features. 

Liv.  Asks  that  the  sister  of  the  good  Icilius? 
Protector  of  the  poor,  here  in  his  house 
The  word  for  the  poor  is  "Welcome,"  not "  Who  comes?" 
lea.  Welcome  then,  mother. 

Liv.  I  am  not  so  old 
To  be  thy  mother  ;  neither  am  I  fit 
To  sit  before  ye  [as  the  nurse,  at  IcaSs  T)ecTc,  places  before 

her  a  stool.}  — though  this  slave  may  do  it. 
lea.  Fie,  woman !     If  thou  know'st  Icilius,  know 
His  house  permits  no  slight  on  those  it  covers, 
As  his  true  heart  reproaches  no  condition. 
What  wouldst  thou  ? 

Liv.  Charity. 

lea.  That  thou  shalt  have. 
What  is  thy  need? 

Liv.  I  rent  a  wretched  shed 
Of  Marcus  Claudius,  the  decemvir's  client, 
And  pander  to  his  pleasures.  Dost  thou  shrink,  [to  Va.} 

who  draws  up  to  Icilia. 
My  pretty  maiden  ?     'T  is  a  bold,  bad  man. 
lea.  Spare  mention  of  him,  and  proceed. 

Liv.  The  rent, 

Full  five  denarii,  has  consum'd  my  all.6 
lea.  Thou  shalt  have  money.     [Exit. 


94  VIRGINIA. 


Liv.  [to  the  mirse.]  'T  is  a  mettled  maid, 
Most  like  her  brother.     But  this  timid  child 
Savors  not  of  him.     She  is  scarce  so  near  ? 
Nurse.  Yet  will  be  nearer  soon,  as  dearer  now. 

Va.  Hush,  my  Lucilla  !     To  a  stranger,  this • 

Liv.  May  yet  have  interest.     Thou  art,  well  I  sec, 
The  brave  Virginias'  daughter,  and  for  him, 
As  for  Icilius,  guardians  of  our  rights, 
Foes  to  our  wrongers,  may  this.breast  beat  kindly, 
Though  rude  my  speech  —  as  oft  with  the  unhappy. 
On  these  auspicious  nuptials,  Juno  Pro'nuba, 
Shower  down  thy  joys,  and  bless  united  Rome ! 
Shall  our  Icilius  — he  belongs  to  all  — 
Be  happy  soon  ? 

Nurse.  In  two  brief  days  from  now. 

Enter  ICILIA. 

lea.  Take  these  few  sextants  for  thy  present  need. 
Icilius,  when  he  comes,  shall  give  thee  more.  — 
Behold  him  1 

Enter  IOILIUS. 

Icilius.  My  Virginia ! Sister ! "Whul ! 

A  stranger  ? 
Liv.  [to  lea.]  Jove  the  Hospitable  quite  you ! 

[hurrying  out. 

Icil.  Stay.   Why  this  haste  ?  My  coming  should  not  frighten 
"Whom  my  house  renders  grateful.    Art  thou  poor  ? 
I  am  Icilius,  and  Icilius1  heart 


ACT  I.    SO.  2.  95 

Yearns  for  the  needy,  as  his  weaker  brethren 
"Whom  Heaven  is  pleas'd  to  humble,  but  whom  men 
Must  pity  and  love,  or  they  most  foully  sin. 
Let  me  look  on  thee.     Thou  art  of  the  people. 
Why  shouldst  thou  shroud  thy  face  ?     Icilius'  blood 
Boasts  not  that  noble  taint  which  puffs  the  heart 
Spite  of  the  sepulchre  ;  nor  has  hoarded  brass 
Made  him  wealth-swollen.     So.     What !  do  I  dream  ? 

Thou  art •  Know'stthou  Virginius?  Art  thou  dumb, 

Yet  tremblest  ?     Woman,  I  like  not  thy  looks. 
Yet  I  will  not  condemn  thee.     Go  in  peace. 
Icilius'  house  is  open  to  the  poor, 
But  for  the  vicious  has  no  room,  till  empty. 
Liv.  Thou  art  Icilius.     In  thy  inmost  heart 
Rankles  the  pride  thou  spurnest  in  the  noble. 
Plume  thy  false  feathers.     In  a  little  while, 
They  will  be  ruffled,  never  more  to  smooth. 
I  see  the  beak  that  's  whetted  for  thy  gore, 
And  for  Virginius' !  —    Take  thy  niggard  brass, 
Thou   scornful  maiden,    [flinging  the  money  towards 

lea.]  May  its  scanty  ounces 
Weigh  like  a  thousand  pounds  upon  thy  spirit. 
To  the  infernal  gods  this  house  I  consecrate  !  [Exit. 

Icil.  Weep  not,  Virginia ;  turn  not  pale,  my  sister. 
Think  ye  the  curses  of  an  impious  heart 
Can  sway  high  Jove,  or  speed  the  shears  of  fate  ? 

Va.  7  Alas,  I  weep  not  therefore,  though  my  heart 
Shrunk  in  me,  quailing  under  her  fierce  eyes, 
Whose  gaze  made  cold  my  blood.     Icilia  too, 
Forgetful  of  her  gentle  spirit,  spoke  brief. 


96  VIKGINIA. 


Ica.  She  pleas'd  me  not ;  and  I  am  Lucius'  sister : 

I  cannot  make  my  tongue  belie  my  heart. 
Icil.  Heaven  plants  in  us  these  instincts  for  our  good. 

The  dullest  hound  the  man  that  likes  him  not 

Knows  by  the  look  ;  and  in  its  nurse's  arms 

The  child  makes  like  distinction,  though  around  it 

All  seem  to  smile  and  fondle  it  alike. 

The  dog,  being  dumb,  his  vigilance  retains  ; 

The  man,  no  longer  mute,  neglects  the  gift ; 

And  oft  the  small  voice  of  a  passing  doubt, 

Unlisten'd  as  irrational,  recurs, 

Alas  too  late  when  echoed  by  regret. 

What  troubles  thee,  Virginia  ? 

Va.  To  this  stranger 

Thou  nam'dst  my  father,  Lucius. 

Icil.  'T  was  my  thought 

I  saw  a  Volscian  woman  thy  sire  knew, 

And  knowing  scorn'd.     "What  was  her  plea  for  alms  ? 
Ica.  She  talk'd  of  hardship  —  beggary  by  her  rent 

Paid  Claudius,  Appius'  client. 

Icil.  A  strange  tale, 

To  have  so  strange  an  ending !     Claudius !  tool 

Of  the  deprav'd  decemvir !  —    What  means  this? 

Why  look  ye  one  to  the  other  so  confus'cl  ? 

What  should  two  innocent  girls  know  of  this  man  ? 
Ica.  Virginia,  I  must  speak. 

Va.  No,  no !  not  yet ! 

I  do  beseech  thee,  my  Icilia,  not ! 
Icil.  Virginia,  is  tbat  right  ?    When  on  thy  finger 

I  put  this  iron  ring,  plain  like  ray  truth, 


A.CT  I.    SO.  2.  97 

And  solid  like  to  it,  I  deera'd  our  hearts 

Were  as  its  circle,  that  nor  mine  nor  thine 

Show'd  where  the  one  began,  the  other  ended. 

Why  this  reserve? 

Va.  For  thy  sake,  not  for  mine, 

Believe  me,  Lucius ! 

Icil.  Is  not  Lucius  fit 

To  be  entrusted  with  his  own  protection  ? 
Va.  Ask  me  no  more  —  not  now.     It  does  not  rest, 

Should  not  with  me,  an  ignorant  girl,  to  judge 

If  I  may  speak.     Before  the  sun  be  down, 

My  father,  sent  for 

Ml.  Sent  for  ?    Who  did  that  ? 
lea.  I  did,  my  brother.     'T  was  not  rashly  done. 
Itil.  Yet  two  days  hence,  Virginius  would  be  here! 

Now  is  it  strange,  that  I,  Virginius'  friend, 

Chosen  by  Virginius  for  Virginius'  son, 
1  Should  have  no  voice  to  speak  in  an  affair 

Seeming  so  urgent  for  Virginius'  sake! 
Va.  Oh  !  no,  thou  wilt  not  say  so,  when  thou  knowest! 

Icilia,  speak  for  me.     As  Lucius'  spouse, 

Could  I  do  otherwise,  not  self-condemn'd  ? 
lea.  Had  Lucius'  sister  elso  encourag'd  thee  ? 
Icil.  Forgive  me.  Jealous  though  my  mind,  its  trust 

Is  boundless  in  your  loves  and  matchless  faith. 

I  will  have  patience.     Does  Virginius  know  ? 
Va.  Nothing ;  and  for  like  reason.     I  had  pray'd 

Thou  might'st  be  spar'd  this  grievance.     Now,  alas ! 

Thou  must  know  all ;  and  from  my  father's  lips 

Thou  shalt.     O  Lucius  ! 


98  VIRGINIA. 

Icil.  Why  that  mournful  look? 
"Why  do  those  eyes  so  sadly  fix  on  mine, 
And  swim  in  tears  ? 

Va.  I  know  not ;  but  my  soul 
Is  sore  disquieted ;  a  ceaseless  dread 
Of  ill  impending,  shadowy-vague,  yet  vast, 
Weighs  down  my  spirit.    Even  as  I  gaze, 
'T  seems  ns  a  mist  rose  like  a  veil  between  us 
And  shut  thee  from  my  sight,  which  strives  in  vain 
To  catch  thy  fading  features.     Do  not  leave  me ! 
Stay  by  me,  Lucius!     [throwing  herself  on  his  Ireast 

and  sobbing. 

Icil.  Will  I  not  forever  ? 

My'  arms  encircle  thee  :  what  shouldst  thou  fear  ? 
This  is  some  sickness  that  distracts  the  brain. 
Thou  hast  look'd  pale  of  late,  and  thy  blue  orbs 
Are  purpled  underneath  with  heavy  watching. 
Why  dost  thou  shake  thy  head  ?     That  untold  title  ! 
Thou  fill'st  me  with  disquiet,  and  my  man's-heart, 
Though  now  thy  pillow,  trembles  with  a  fear 
Would  mate  thy  own.    Alas !  and  't  is  a  moment 
Icilius  needs  his  courage,  for  Koine's  sake! 

lea.  This  must  not  be.     Cheer  up,  Virginia,  sister ! 
Art  thou  Virginias'  daughter,  and  of  Rome? 

Va.  I  am  Virginias'  daughter,  and  a  Roman  : 
I  try,  for  Lucius'  sake,  to  look  less  sad  ; 
But  the  weak  heart  will  not  be  school'd.    Bear  with  me ; 
I  shall  be  better  soon.     Thou  wilt  not  leave  me  ? 
Not  till  my  father  comes? 

Icil.  Unhappy  chance ! 


ACT  I.    SC.  2.  99 

I  had No  matter  :  't  is  the  only  time 

Icilius  has  broke  faith.    I  will  not  leave  thee. 

No  custom'd  cause  would  move  thee  thus.     The  gods 

Perhaps  give  warning 

Fa.  Never,  to  break  fuith. 
If  thou  art  promis'd  elsewhere,  go.     My  love 
Lives  in  thine  honor  only  :  to  love  less 
Were  not  to  love  Icilius. 

Icil.  Peerless  maid ! 

Thou  leading  and  sustaining,  virtue's  height 
Is  no-way  hard  to  climb.  —     But  should  he  leave  thee, 
Wliat  heart,  Virginia,  could  Icilius  have  ? 
What  power  of  judgment?     Thy  distress,  his  fears, 
Doubt,  and  conjecture,  would  pursue  him  still, 
And  Rome's  best  interests  suffer.     Let  me  stay ! 
Fa.  Before  I  knew  thee,  Rome  had  all  my  love. 
When,  happy  in  thy  suit,  my  indulgent  sire 
Would  have  me  listen  it,  he  bade  me  note, 
First  of  thy  virtues,  love  of  Rome  and  freedom. 
'  For  my  love's  sake  were  't  well,  Icilius,  then,    - 
To  wrong  that  virtue  which  first  won  my  love? 
Forget  my  passing  weakness.     Ere  the  night, 
Rome's  liberty  shall  be,  even  for  my  sake, 
And  for  thy  own,  a  thousand-fold  more  dear. 
Icil.  Strange  riddle  !  which  I  dare  not  try  to  read.  — 
Thou  wilt  await  my  coming  back? 

Va.  No,  no : 

Thy  duties  might  be  slighted  ;  and  for  me, 
My  tarrying  long  might  make  me  found  too  slack 
To  meet  my  father. 


100  VIRGINIA. 


Icil.  Now,  the  all-conscious  gods, 
Thou  dear  Virginia,  mark  thy  worth  and  bless  thee ! 
Thou  mak'st  my  passion  reason,  that  before 
Was  happy  impulse.  —    On  the  homeward  way, 
Passing  the  Forum,  I  shall  look  to  join  thee: 
But  at  thy  uncle's,  surely.     [Exit. 

lea.  Why,  Virginia! 
Had  the  gate  clos'd  upon  Icilius  dead, 
Thou  could'st  not  look  more  blank. 

Va.  'T  is  all  the  same. 
There  is  a  weight  here  [pressing  her  heart.}  crushes  out 

my  life ; 

And  the  gloom'd  spirit  whispers,  as  't  were  Fate, 
No  torch  shall  light  me  —  save  unto  the  tomb. 
Ic-'i.     Virginia !     Are  my  brother's  words  so  vain  ? 
The  statutes  of  the  most  high  gods  shall  stand, 
Nor  hopes  nor  fears  can  alter  them  one  jot. 
Va.    I  know  it,  I  feel  it,  and  I  am  resign'd. 
Yet,  not  the  less,  I  shudder. 

lea.  And  thou  dost ! 
This  must  be  sickness. 

Va.  Oh  yes,  of  the  heart. 
I  would  the  night  were,  and  my  father  come ! 

IOILIA.  presses  her  soothingly  to  her  7>osom,  whereon 

VIRGIXIA  has  laid  her  head ;  and,  slowly, 

the  Scene  changes. 


ACT  I.   SO.  3.  101 


SCENE  III. 

The  Via  Sacra — with  the  Forum,  having  the  Capitoline  Hill 
on  the  left,  seen  in  the  distance,  —  the  street  winding  ob- 
liquely to  the  right  into  the  Forum.  —  The  houses,  on 
either  side  of  the  street,  are  scattered,  low  of  structure,  and 
of  humble  appearance,  as  in  the  earlier  days  of  the  republic. 

VALERIUS  and  HOKATIITS. 

Val.  Thou  doubt'st  then,  Marcus,  Quinctius  will  make  one? 
Hor.   I  know  not.     If  tliou  art  Valerius,  I 

A  true  Horatius,  Titus  has  no  less 

The  blood  should  love  the  people.     Would  lie  stand 

To  Appius  now,  as  opposite  as  his  sire 

Fronted  his  bloody  colleague  of  that  name, 

'T  were  much.     Not  every  heat  gives  fire.     Few  men 

Burn  like  Icilius.     Quinctius  may  yield  smoke. 
Val.  "Well !  so  it  sting  our  enemy's  eyes,  not  ours. 

But  see  !  Icilius !  with  his  wonted  stride. 

By  Hercules!  but  tliat  his  field  's  the  Forum, 

Not  the  trench'd  camp,  he  frowns  8  a  second  Marcius ! 
Hoi\  Not  of  the  senate.     Coriolanus'  hate 

Was  not  so  strong  as  is  Icilius'  love, 

To  the  down-trorlden  commons. 

Val.  It  may  be 

With  like  extreme. 

Hor.  I  think  not.     Yet  if 't  were, 

Better,  a  thousand  times,  the  unsparing  hurricane 


102  VIRGINIA. 

Of  popular  tumult,  than  the  stifling  calm 
Of  absolute  power !     That,  its  violence  spent, 
May  leave  the  air  of  the  commonweal  more  pure  ; 
But  from  the  dead  stagnation  of  the  other 
"What  shall  purge  off  its  pestilent  miasms, 
And  make  it  vital  ? 

Val.  Why,  another  hurricane. 
And  lo  !  the  ^Eolus  shall  loose  the  winds. 

Enter  ICILIUS. 

Thy  brow  is  overcast. 

IciL  A  passing  cloud 

Brought  from  the  sky  of  home.     The  public  sun 
Shall  leave  no  speck  to  o'ershadow  you  or  me. 
"What  of  the  senate,  friends  ? 

Val.  A  blank  account, 
Or  unity  the  total. 

Ilor.  Scarcely  that. 

"We  have  but  the  half  of  a  man,  his  soul  being  parted 
'Twixt  would  and  would  not. 

Icil.  That  is?  — 

Val.  Titus  Quiuctius. 
Icil.  His  sire  was  lov'd  of  the  soldiers. 

Hor.  But  the  son 

Will  never  be  lov'd  of  any  —  save  his  heir. 
He  comes !    and  —          How  is  this  ?      Who  is  that 

beside  him  ? 
Val.  Aulus  Lucretius. 

Hor.  Is  lie  mad  ?  or  dares 


ACT  I.    SC.  8.  103 

The  hound  betray  us,  thinking  we  are  so  ? 
Icil.  Neither,  or  either.     Either  is  all  one. 
We  are  no  dark  conspirators,  though  sworn 
For  the  public  good.     What  do  we,  that  we  do 
In  the  light  of  day,  as  now :  else  were  Icilius 
None  of  your  league. 

Enter 
TITUS  QUINXITIUS  with  AULUS  LUCRETIUS. 

Be  welcome,  Titus  Quinctius. 
Thou  knowest  why  we  are  met,  and  com'st  resolv'd 
To  aid  us,  head  and  hand.  But  this,  thy  friend, 

Aulus  Lucretius  ? 

Lucr.  Is  alike  reso]  v\l. 
Icil.  I  am  Icilius,  and  I  hold  the  people 
The  sole  legitimate  source  of  sovereign  rule, 
For  that  they  are  the  many,  and  their  thews 
Strain  to  heave  up,  to  prop  and  keep  sustain'd, 
The  edifice  whose  chambers  ye  but  fill. 
Were  Appius  not  your  master  as  our  tyrant, 
My  hate  to  your  cruel  order  were  not  less, 
And,  the  decemvirate  overthrown,  Icilius 
Steps  on  its  carcase,  to  do  buttle  still 
For  freedom  and  the  people's  rights.     Thou  nearest :  — 
These  are  my  motives.    What  are  thine  ? 

Lucr.  I  am 

Lucretius,  and  the  common  folk  of  Rome 
I  have  in  hatred  less  than  in  disdain. 
But  is  there  eye  so  blear'd  that  sees  not  Appius 


104  VIRGINIA. 

Striding  to  sovereign  *»le  across  our  necks? 

He  cring'd  to  the  people,  and  they  set  him  o'er  them. 

He  trod  them  down.     He  cringes  now  to  us. 

And  Rome  beholds  the  guardians  of  her  state 

Become  mere  servitors  to  the  usurping  Ten, 

Whose  plural  tyranny  even  now  is  merging 

Into  the  singular  rule  of  this  bold  man. 

I  love  my  order,  and  will  let  no  Tnrquin 

Level  its  pillars  to  rear  himself  a  throne. 

These  are  my  motives. 

Icil.  And  they  please  me  little  ; 
As  does  thy  purpled  tunic,  which  they  suit. 
But  thou  dost  much ;  for  thou  'rt  a  man  ;  thy  tongue 
Fears  not  to  utter  what  thy  soul  dares  think. 
Aulus,  there  is  my  hand. 

Hor.  And  mine. 

Vol.  And  mine. 

Icil.  Thou  seest,  Quinctius:  not  alone  the  commons, 
But  thine  own  order  smarts  beneath  the  yoke. 
Hast  thon  not  heard  of  Tarquin,  nam'd  the  Proud  ? 
What  did  he  to  the  Fathers?     Slept  the  axes 
Then  in  the  fasces  ?     Let  your  house-gods  tell. 
War,  peace,  state-treaties,  then  no  more  were  made 
By  council  and  allowance  of  the  senate: 
The  State  was  Tarquin.     Now,  there  reign  ten  Tarquins, 
Girt  with  their  tsventy  and  a  hundred  axes, 
Which  soon  will  pale  but  one,  and  ported  bare :  9 
Meet  emblem  of  a  spirit  as  haught  and  bloody 
As  that  hi-  prototype's,  whose  chariot-wheels 
Crash'd  th'-ough  the  butcher'd  trunk  of  his  wife's  sire, 


ACT  I.    SC.  3.  105 

And  made  the  street  Accursed  to  this  day  !  '  ° 
Quinc.  Why  speak  so  loud  ? 

Icil.  Because  I  would  be  heard. 
"Why  ask  not  too  why  stand  we  here  i'  the  street, 
"When  a  house-wall  would  shield  us  from  the  air, 
And  treason  ?    Fear'st  thou  Appius  ? 

Quinc.  No  ;  I  fear 
The  unripeness  of  this  complot.     Should  the  people 

Gather  around  us 

Icil.  They  would  spare  me  trouble  : 

I  go  to  gather  them.     Should  the  tyrants  come 

Quinc.  Lo,  Oppius  now  ! 

Icil.  "Well:  let  him  pass.    "What  hinders  ? 

Enter  SPTJEITJS  OPPITTS, 

preceded  ly  his  twelve  lictors,  marching  in  file,  one  ly  one, 

with  the  fasces  shouldered. 

As  they  pass  before  the  Jive,  going  up  the  street,  QTJINCTIUS  gives 
way,  and  seems  about  to  go,  while  ICILIUS  and  the  rest  main- 
tain their  ground,  ICILIUS  talking  as  they  pass. 

Aulus  Lucretius,  seest  thou  these  fellows  ? 

Now  is  it  not  a  shame,  that  thou  and  I, 

Valerius  and  Iloratius,  and  all  true  men, 

Whose  blood  boils  at  such  insolent  parade, 

Should  stand  by  quiet,  when  a  private  man, 

Of  no  more  right  than  ourselves,  dares  ape  the  king 

Even  in  our  faces  ? 

Spur.  Thou  talkest  big,  Icilius. 
Icil.  Not  bigger,  Oppius,  than  I  feel,  or  look, 
5* 


106  VIRGINIA. 

Or  inean  to  approve  myself  in  act,  some  time. 
Spur.  That  we  shall  see  —  some  time.    Move,  lictors,  on ! 
[Exit,  the  procession,  up  the  scene. 
Hor.  Thou  hast  scar'd  the  heart  out,  of  our  Quinctius, 

Lucius. 
Quinc.  Perhaps  not,  Marcus:  but,  I  thank  Minerva, 

'T  is  not  so  choleric  as  to  choke  my  wit. 
Hor.  Thy  wit  having  never  life,  that  were  not  easy. 
Quinc.  -And  let  me  ask  Icilius,  is  it  wise 

To  taunt  the  enemy  ere  our  battle  's  order'd  ? 
Icil.  Our  forces  need  not,  nor  would  suffer  order : 
'T  is  here  the  people,  and  abroad  the  soldiers. 
"We  leaders  give  the  signal,  and  set  on, 
And  the  mass  follow  as  their  passions  dictate. 
Ours  is  no  plot :  was  ever  such  with  thousands  ? 
Nor  would  such  suit  me :  but  the  Ten  have  theirs, 
Secret  and  sworn. 

Quinc.  A  plot  ? 

Lucr.  With  what  intent  ? 
Vol.  To  make  their  power  perpetual,  set  aside 
The  holding  of  elections,  and  destroy, 
At  least  in  part,  the  senate. 

Lucr.  Know'st  thou  this? 

By  honor's  god  !  there  're  some  that  sit  i'  the  House, 
"Will  not  be  tamely  butcher'd.     Who  assist  them? 
Vol.  Some  of  the  younger  nobles,  vicious  friends, 
Or  followers  more,  of  Appius. 

[Here  Qviycnvs,  looking  down  the  street,  steals 
off  in  the  direction  of  the  Forum. 


ACT  I.    SC.  3.  107 

Hor.  Corno  with  us : 

This  is  no  street-talk,  and  thou  shalt  hear  that 
Will  make  thee  certain,  while  Icilius  goes 
To  fire  the  people. 

Lucr.  Where  is  Quinctius  ? 

Val.  Look! 

[pointing  down  the  street. 

Hor.     What,  Appius  coming !     I  forgive  him  then. 
Lucr.  Still,  thou  mayst  trust  him. 

Hor.  True  —  for  passive  aid. 

Enter, 

in  the  same  order  as  Oppius,  APPIUS  CLAUDIUS,  —  the  1st  Lie- 
tor  holding,  besides  Ids  fasces,  a  rod  to  clear  the  way. 
At  a  little  distance  from  the  decemvir,  and  aside,  MARCUS 
CLAUDIUS,  his  client. 

ICILIUS,  as  before,  keeps  his  place  unmoved. 

1st  Lict.  Way !  way,  for  the  great  decemvir !  —    Stand  aside ! 
[offering  to  touch  Icil.  with  the  rod. 
Icil.     Aside !  thou  insolent  slave  !     Aside  !     To  whom  ? 
Is  it  to  thee,  [striding  deliberately  up  to  Appius,  who, 
in  turn,  moves  a  step   towards  him. 

usurper  of  a  charge 
By  law  expired  ?    Icilius  bows  to  law, 
Not  to  law-breakers,  and  gives  place  to  no  man, 
Save  whom  the  sovereign  people  set  above  him. 


108  VIRGINIA. 

Enter 
two  or  more  CITIZENS,  in  their  tunics.11 

1st  Cit.  "Worthy  Icilius  ! 

2d  Cit.  Out  upon  the  tyrant ! 

App.    Hot-headed  fool !     Must  I  bid  strip  the  rods, 
To  scourge  thee  hence  ? 
IciL  [rushing  on  him.]  Now,  by  ! 

»'  ALEBITJS,  HOBATIUS,  and  LUCKETIUS  spring  "between  the  two, 
and  at  the  same  time  keep  off  the  lictors. 

Vol.  Quirites !  freemen !  ]  ^ 
Help  your  Icilius ! 

Hor.  Break  the  fasces ! 

Lucr.  Appius, 

Go  on  your  war,  or ! i  «> 

J  .** 
App.  Lictors,  do  your  duty. 

Beat  back  the  rabble1.     Seize,  bind,  the 

Marc.  CL  Noble  patron ! 
This  word,  [whispers  a  moment. 

App.  O  brave !  —    Forbear  we  once.    Peace,  all. 
Icilius,  I  shall  take  a  fitter  time 
To  punish  thy  presumption  :  the  tribunal 
"Waits  now  my  sitting.     Aulus,  as  for  thee, 
Thou  knowest  me  now  thy  foe. 

Lucr.  And  such,  defy  thee. 
App.  Move  on !  [to  the  lictors.]  I  yield  —  to  triumph. 

[giving  way  to  Icil.  and  smiling  on  him  as  he 
passes,  —  Icil.  standing  still. 

Exit,  the  procession,  up  the  scene. 


ACT  I.    SC.  3.  109 


MARCUS,  loitering  behind,  stops  in  the  background  at  a  signal 

from  LIVIA,  who,  in  the  disguise  of  Scene  II.,  enters  as 

ICILIUS  turns  to  the  Citizens.    LIVIA  goes  up 

to  MAECUS,  and  they  whisper. 

• 

Icil.  Citizens, 

Put  on  your  mantles,  gather  your  friends,  the  friends 
Of  law  and  liberty.     On  to  the  Forum.     There 
"Wait  me,  but  peaceful. 

2d  Cit.  Peaceful !  No ;  but  quiet. 

[Exeunt  Citiz. 
Icil.  [to  Valer.,  etc. 

Brave  friends  !  true  senators !    [Sees  Livia  walking  off 
with  Marcus,  and  looking  back  at  Icil.  significantly, 
as  they  confer  in  whispers.]    Ah !  —    What  means 
that? 
Val.     The  cloud  again,  Icilius? 

Icil.  Ay,  I  fear 

Its  shadow  this  time  threatens  rain.     Dost  know 
That  woman  ? 

Val.  No ;  but  he  that  whispers  her 
Is  Appius1  filthy  pander.     We  may  guess. 
Icil.     [to  himself.]    No  —  no  —  no  —  no.     O   let  me  not 

think  that ! 
Val.  [softly.]  Let  us  away. 

Hor.  [same.]  'T  is  strange  !     What  can  it 
mean? 


110  VIHGINIA. 

Lucr.  [same.]  Is  he  so  often  ? 

Vol.  Never  so  before. 

He  met  us  sadly.     But  the  gloom  was  brief. 
Icil.  [to  himself.]  Horrid  suggestion  ! 

Lucr.  'T  is  not  fit  we  stay. 
[Eigunt,  quietly,  the  three  senators. 
Icil.    "Was  this  tby  dark  foreboding,  poor  Virginia  ?  — 
But  the  dread  arrow  shall  have  other  mark ! 
Help,  ye  avenging  Furies !    [moving  rapidly  up  the 
scene.]  —      I  am  mad.    [coming   back 

slowly. 

On  mere  suspicion !  —    Appiua  would  not  dare, 
So  plac'd,  so  hated :  daring,  what  his  means? 
No,  no !  't  is  but  a  fancy,  —    yet  a  fancy  - 
So  horrid-torturing,  my  tough  heart  cracks, 
And  my  brain  seems  unsettled.  —    My  Virginia ! 

The  drop  falls. 


ACT  II.    SO.  1.  Ill 

ACT    THE    SECOND 
Scene  I.    The  Forum. 

In  front,  at  the  upper  part  of  the  scene,  the  tribunal,  with  the 
curule  chair.  On  the  right  [left  of  spectators],  a,  row  of 
seven  shops  under  a  portico,  and,  between  the  shops  and  the 
tribunal,  the  statue  of  Venus  Cloacina.a —  On  the  left, 
Citizens  more  about,  or  converse  in  groups.  —  Lictors 
ranged  on  either  side  of  the  tribunal. 

APPIUS  and  MAKCUS. 

App.    Two  days,  sayst  thou?     It  must  not,  shall  not  be, 
Even  if  I  touch  his  life !     But  that  were  rash. 
Marcus,  thy  plan.     Give  't  instant  execution. 
Is  the  hag  ready  ? 

Marc.  Always.     And  the  time 
Seems  opportune.    Her  sire  at  the  camp,  Virginia 
Dwells  with  her  uncle,  and  her  way  now  home 
Crosses  the  Forum.     But  she  may  not  come. 
App.    Why  dost  thou  dash  my  hopes? 

Marc.  Because,  dread  patron, 
Livia's  detection  must  alarm  the  maid, 
May  keep  her  hous'd. 

App.  Besiege  the  door. 

Mare.  A  violence 

So  hold  might  startle  even  thy  subject  Koine. 
This  would  I  say  :  in  case  the  girl  conic  not, 


112  VIRGINIA. 

Virginius  must  be  stay'd,  to  give  us  time. 
App.    Or  if  she  come.     "Well  thought !     Till  I  have  tam'd 

This  bird  to  her  perch,  and  taught  her  know  my  call. 

Thy  tablets  —  quick!   and  style.     [Marcus  takes  them 

from  the  lap  of  his  mantle,  and  Appius 

writes  rapidly  one  or  two  lines. 

See  that  my  messenger, 

My  speediest,  carries  this  in  all  haste  to  Algidum. 

Thou  'It  see  to  whom.     And  bid  him  shun  Virginius. 
Marc.  "Were  't  not  best,  first  transcribe  it  on  a  leaf? 
App.    No,  waste  no  time.     Thou  think'st  they  be  alarnrd. 

They  might  then  get  before  us.     Haste  thou  back. 

Revenge  has  given  new  edge  to  my  desire. 

[Exit  MARCUS. 

But  what  will  come  of  it  ?     Have  I  thought  that  well  ? 

To  achieve  this  loathing  maid,  what  do  I  hazard  ? 

The  crown  I  'd  clutch,  whose  visionary  round 

Burns  on  my  temples  nightly.    "What  if  more  ? 

The  father's  virtues,  and  the  popular  name 

Of  the  affianc'd  lover,  may  rouse  this  Rome 

Which  I  have  drugged  to  so  deep  slumber ;  and  then ! 

I  see  —     O  horror !     't  is  the  new  Lucretia, 

Dead  in  her  father's  arms !  the  bloody  knife, 

Smoking  and  dripping,  lifted  !     Brutus  calls, 

"With  arms  spread  out,  upon  the  gods  of  Hell ! 

"Was  that  crash  thunder?     'T  is  the  o'erthrown  tri- 
bunal — 

Lictors  and  fasces  trampled  down  together ! 

The  rabble  like  a  pack  of  wolves  rush  on  me ! 

How  their  throats  yell !  I  hear  their  panting  !  nearer  — 


ACT  II.    SC.  1.  113 

Nearer !    Their  hot  breath  scorches !     Help !  oh,  help ! 

[aloud,  and  running. 
'T  is  nothing,  men  :  I  did  but  clear  my  throat. 

[The  lictors,  who  had  advanced  to  him  at 

his  cry,  resume  their  station. 

A  horrid  dream !     But  this,  the  Forum  [looking  around 

him  with  a  shudder.]  —  sunlight : 
I  am  awake,  and  still  decemvir,  still 
Decemvir  paramount !  —  and  will  be  —  more. 
Yet,  oh! —     Virginia!  [with  a  degree  of  softness. 

Oppius  spoke  too  true  : 

Marcius'  soft  spot  spreads  over  all  my  heart. 
Why  did  I  make  that  law  ?  what  is  plebeian, 
That  flesh  patrician  may  not  mate  with  it  ? 13 
Sprung  from  Lavinia's  self,  in  line  direct, 
This  maid  were  not  more  precious.  —    I  will  do  it ! 

Will  break  the  law !  will  wed  her !   But  —  will  she  ? 

Icilius Death  and  Hell! Off,  lying  visions! 

Though  Heaven  should  rain  down  blood,  I  will  not  yield ! 

[Turns  up  the  Scene, 
which  shifts  to  /Scene  2. 


114  VIRGINIA. 


SCENE  II. 

Another  part  of  the  Forum. 
ICILIUS  and  NUMITORIUS  meeting. 

Icil.    Publius  Nnmitorius !  —    Thou  art  well  met ! 
What  brings  thee  to  the  Forum? 

Num.  Natural  care. 

I  seek  my  sister's  child.  —    But  thou  look'st  ruffled ! 
Icil.     And  thou  o'er-sad.     'T  is  like  we  have  one  cause. 
For  I  too  seek  Virginia.     Why  shouldst  thou, 
With  so  unusual  care,  her  nurse  being  with  her, 
Forsake  thy  house  —  Virginius  too  expected  ? 
Num.  Thou  know'st  that  then !      Canst  thou   say   why 

expected  ? 

Icil.     Would  that  I  could !     And  yet  the  bare  conjecture 
Makes  my  blood  curdle.     Why  are  Home's  free  streets 
No  longer  safe  for  virgins  ?    Asking  that, 
Do  I  show  why  Virginius  might  be  look'd  for  ? 
Why  I  am  ruffled,  and  thou  over-sad  ? 
Does  thy  heart,  Publius,  freeze  and  boil  at  once, 
As  mine  does,  at  the  sound  of  one  man's  name 
Coupled  with  pure  Virginia's  ? 

Num.  And  that  name  ? 

'T  is  ? 

Icil.  Appius.     Speak! 

Num.  It  does.     What  dost  thou  know  ? 
Icil.     Nothing.    Thou?  what  dost  thou?    Protecting  gods ! 
Who  from  your  favor'd  Capitol  look  down 


ACT  II.    SC.  2.  115 

Ou  prostrate  Rome,  Pena'tes  of  her  state  ! 
Jove  the  all-great,  all-good !  thou  sovereign  Juno ! 
Armipotent  Minerva  !  if  once  more 
Your  shrines  shall  beam  on  freemen  new-creato, 
Exact  not  like  atonement !     Let  not  blood 
Bedrop  this  time  the  white  fleece  of  the  lamb ! 
Num.  Thou  mak'st  me  shudder. 

Icil.  'T  is  my  own  heart's  echo. 
Seest  not  I  shiver? 

Num.  Yet  thou  knowest  nought : 
Nor  I.     Be  calmer. 

,    Icil.  Thou  didst  ask  the  name. 
Said  I  not  —  Appius  ?     Wherefore  art  thou  here  ? 
Why  should  we  both  fear  outrage  for  Virginia  ? 
Num.  Yet  neither  may  have  ground.    What  thou  hast  heard, 
What  seen,  I  know  not.     When  thy  brother,  Quintns, 
Came  for  my  son  to  journey  to  the  camp  — 
Icil.      They  told  me  not  of  that !     Say  on  !     Say  on  ! 
Num.    The  boy  could  nothing  tell.     But  from  his  haste,  — 
The  sudden  need.  —  from  strange,  mysterious  looks 

And  hints  of  the  nurse,  —  from What  is  that  ? 

Nurse,  [within,  from  the  side.]  Help!  Romans! 
'T  is  Virginius'  daughter  ! 

Num.  [hurrying  after  Icilius,  w7io, 
at  the  first  sound,  has  sprung  forward  in  the  di- 
rection of  it.}    Gods!  we  are  too  late.13 

{Scene  shifts  suddenly  to 
Scene  3. 


116  VIRGINIA. 


SCENE  III. 

Same  as  Scene  I.  of  the  Act.  —  APPIUS  is  seated  on  the  tribu- 
nal, girt  ~by  his  lictors.  Near  the  shops,  VIKGINIA  and  her 
NUBSE,  struggling  with  MABCUS  CLAUDIUS.  The  People, 
who  are  now  mired  with  one  or  two  Women,  making 
towards  them. 

Nurse.  Eomans,  't  is  false !     She  is  the  promis'd  spouse 
Of  your  Icilius. 

1st  Git.  Cneius,  hear'st  thou  that  ?  [to  2d  Cit. 
Unhand  the  girl,    [to  Marcus.}     Thon  art  known. 

2d  Cit.  For  Appius'  pimp. 
Tread  down  the  dog ! 

Marc.  She  is  my  slave — •    Come  on — 
[dragging  Virginia. 
Born  of  my  slave. 

Enter  ICILIUS  and  NUMITOKIUS. 

A  shout  from  the  crowd.  Icilius! 

2d  Cit.  [as  Icilius,  still  without 
speaking,  hurls  Marcus  across  the  scene. 

That  is  it ! 
Brave  Eoman ! 

Va.  Lucius,  must  it  all  come  true  ? 
Icil.     Think  better  of  the  gods,  Virginia.     Cheer  ihee. 
Xone  can  molest  thee,  now.     Come  home.     Behold ! 
Here  is  thine  uncle,  and  thy  husband's  arm 


ACT  II.    SC.  3.  117 

Is  folded  round  thee. 

A  Matron.  Husband !     Hear,  Drusilla  ! 
Shame  on  the  coward ! 

Icil.  [moving  with  Va.  through  the 
throng.}  Thanks,  kind  friends. 

Marc.  Icilius, 

What  means  this  violence  ?     Open,  if  thou  wilt, 
Thine  eyes  still  wider,  and  bite  through  thy  lips ; 
Thou  canst  not  stare  me  from  my  rights,  nor  frighten. 
Num.  Thy  rights  ? 

Icil.  Let  him  speak  on. 

Marc.  My  rights :  the  right 
Of  every  Roman  citizen  to  his  own  goods. 
The  girl 's  my  house-ware,  [extending  Aw  arm  to  take  Va. 
Icil.  Liar  and  slave !  [striking  him 
—  his  left  arm  still  around  Virginia. 
Take  that ! 

Tool  of  a  tyrant's  lust !  stretch  thou  one  finger 
To  touch  this  virgin,  I  tread  thee  into  clay, 
And  hurl  the  carrion  on  thy  master's  throne 
To  make  his  footstool !  —    Come,  Virginia,  come. 
Mare.  Not  yet.    Nor  words,  nor  blows,  make  null  my  rights. 
[making  a  sign  to  Appius,  who 
sends  forward  two  lictors. 
I  appeal  to  the  tribunal.     Come. 

Icil.  Go  then, 

Virginia,  with  thy  uncle.     I  must  stay, 
And  front  the  tyrant. 

Marc.  No  !  the  girl  goes  not. 
Lictors ! 


118  VIRGINIA. 


1st  Lie.  Back,  citizens  !  —    What  means  this  clamor? 
"Who  breaks  the  public  peace  ? 

Marc.  I  claim  my  slave. 

Icil.     Thou  foul-mouth'd  villain! —    Romans!    freemen! 

brothers ! 

Ye  know  me  ;  I  have  never  spoken  false. 
This  is  Virginias'  daughter ;  on  her  finger 
This  ring  I  gave  her  speaks  Icilius'  spouse. 
She  has  no  mother,  now  ;  for  you,  her  sire 
Offers  his  bosom  to  your  enemies'  knives. 
Ye  will  not  suffer  that  a  maid  so  lone, 
So  unprotected,  one  whose  boast  it  is 
She  is  made  of  clay  like  yours,  plebeian  mould  14  — 

[The people  murmur. 

Marc.  Lictors,  your  office  !     Let  him  not  speak  treason. 
2d  Cit.  Treason,  to  be  of  the  people  !     Hear  him  out. 
Finish,  Icilius. 

Icil.  You  are  not  so  abject, 
As  let  this  maid,  whose  cradle  was  as  your?, 
Your  daughter,  and  your  sister,  orphan'd  too, 
Because  her  sire  defends  your  household-gods 
And  her  poor  mother  wanders  with  the  bless'd, 
Happy  to  know  not  this !  you  will  not  suffer 
Icilius'  promised  spouse,  Virginius'  child, 
Blood  of  your  blood,  and  freeborn  as  are  you, 
You  will  not  suffer  her  to  be  torn  from  'midst  you, 
To  serve  the  lust  of  a  patrician  ! 

2d  Cit.  No ! 
Down  with  the  lictors ! 

Marc.  Citizens,  are  you  mad  ? 


ACT  II.    SC.  3.  119 

I  ask  but  for  a  hearing.     If  my  claim 
Be  baseless,  let  him  take  the  girl. 

1st  Cit.  T  is  just. 
Let  him  have  hearing. 

Icil.  Just !     O  fickle  hearts ! 
Is  'tjust  the  claimant  should  himself  be  judge? 

Know  ye  not 

Num.  Lucius,  thon  wilt  ruin  all. 
Hope  in  Virginius'  coming,  hope  not  now. 
See  [glancing  round  on  the  people.],  and  believe 

resistance  is  in  vain. 
Icil.  Lead  on.     And  yet  —  I  did  put  trust  in  you. 

[addressing  the  throng. 

I  thought No  matter.     {They  move  up  to  the  tri- 
bunal followed  ly  the  crowd. 
1st  Cit.  What  could  he  expect  ? 
The  Matron.  Were  I  a  man,  thou  shouldst  not  want  reply. 

Marc.  Mighty  decemvir  !  this  young 

Icil.  Have  a  care  ! 

If  thou  dare  touch  her,  though  it  be  the  form,15 
Even  in  thy  master's  face  I  keep  my  word. 

App.  Now  by  the  manes  1  °  of  my  sires,  thou  vile ! 

[springing  up  in  his  seat. 

Marc.  Hear,  gracious  ruler !  let  me  wave  the  form. 
I  would  not  have  the  whiteness  of  my  claim 
Spotted  by  violence.  — 

App.  Then  for  thy  sake,  be't, 
Not  his. 

Icil.  For  thine  OAvn  sake,  thou ! 

Va.  Lucius !  pity ! 


120  VIRGINIA. 

For  me  !  for  me !     TVouldst  thou  destroy  me  ? 

Num.  Appius, 

I  am  the  uncle  of  this  maid :  't  is  mine 
To  answer.     Let  the  Assertor  now  proceed. 
Marc.  This  maiden,  as  the  Koman  law  prescribes, 
I  say  is  mine,  and  the  possession  in  her 
Demand  to  be  assign'd  to  me. 

Num.  And  I, 

By  the  same  law  assert  her  to  be  free, 
And  as  her  guardian,  in  the  father's  room, 
Demand  the  right  to  lead  her  where  I  will.17 
App.  Let  the  assertor  unto  servitude 
Make  out  his  claim. 

Mare.  Virginius  Lucius,  sire 
Suppos'd  of  this  young  maid,  being  in  the  wars, 
A  child  was  born  to  him  in  Rome,  which  died ' 
Soon  as  it  snuflTd  the  air.     The  selfsame  day, 
A  Volscian  girl,  my  household-slave,  gave  birth 
To  a  female  child,  which  promis'd  well.     Her  sister, 
Midwife  to  both  the  women,  mov'd  to  see 
The  mother  weep  her  young  thus  born  to  chains, 
Herself  too  sorrowing,  plac'd  the  living  babe 
On  the  free  pillow,  and  took  away  the  dead. 
Behold  the  false  Virginia !  for  the  true 
Is  dust. 

Icil.  Is  there  a  Heaven  above  us  ? 

Num.  Lucius ! 

Leave  me  to  answer. —  See!  Virginia  faints! 
App.  The  case  is  plain.  What  hast  thou  to  reply? 
Num.  Did  the  false  mother  come,  in  after  time, 


ACT  II.    SC.  3.  121 


To  know  of  this  strange  fraud  ? 

Marc.  Not  till  the  child, 

Grown  up  in  worth  and  beauty,  had  won  her  heart. 
Num.  Nor  told  Virginius? 

Marc.  Why  disturb  his  peace  ? 
He  had  come  to  love  the  darling  as  his  own. 
'T  is  thought,  however,  in  her  dying  hour 
The  truth  came  out.     This  we  shall  ascertain. 
Num.  And  hy  the  midwife  and  the  mother-slave 
Thou  hop'st  to  prove  this  ? 

Marc.  And  Virginius'  self. 

Num.  O  monstrous  fraud !  effrontery  unmatched ! 
Hear,  Appius  ;  hear,  ye  citizens !     I  am 
Twin-brother  of  Virginius'  wife,  had  ever 
Her  most  full  confidence ;  yet  see  !  her  heart 
Kept  this  huge  fact  from  me  ! 

App.  And  is  that  all  ? 

Num.  Much  to  make  wise  men  doubt.     Hear,  Romans,  hear ! 
This  man  would  cite  the  midwife,  therefore  living, 
A  Volscian,  and  the  sister  of  a  slave. 
Known  is  it  to  me,  to  many  —  and  there  stands 
Virginia's  nurse  who  knows  —  the  midwife  was 
A  Roman,  and  is  dead ! 

App.  And  is  that  all  ? 

Icil.  What  wouldst  thou  more  ?    [resigning  Va.  to  Numit. 
App.  No  evidence  of  thine.  — 
Let  the  pretended  sire  appear. 

Marc.  Till  then 
Possession  in  the  girl  remains  with  me. 

6 


122  VIBGINIA. 

App.  That  is  but  just.     Assertor,  take  thy  slave. 

[General  murmur  of  indignation. 

Icil.  Thou  dar'st  not !  by  thine  own  law,  dar'st  not,  tyrant, 
Decree  this  wrong !     Decision  must  be  made, 
In  such  a  suit,  on  the  side  of  freedom. 

1st  Cit.  Right ! 
It  is  the  law. 

2d  Cit.  He  made  it :  let  him  keep  it ! 
App.  What  know  ye  of  the  law,  ye  clamorous  curs  ? 
That  Appius  made  it,  proves  that  Appius  leans 
To  liberty  and  mercy.    But  this  case 
Was  not  provided  for.     The  general  act 
Supposes  equal  litigants.     Where  such, 
Who  stands  for  actual  owner  matters  little  ; 
But  here  it  being  the  father  of  the  girl, 
So  call'd,  the  Assertor  yields  to  only  him. 
Pledg'd  to  produce  her  when  he  shall  appear, 
'T  is  fit  he  keep  her  now.  —    It  is  decreed. 
Lictor,  disperse  the  assembly. 

Va.  [running  to  Icil.]  Save  me  !  save ! 
Or  kill  me,  Lucius  ! 

Matron.  Cowards !  do  you  hear  her  ? 
Num.  [thrusting  lack  Marcus,  ichile  Icilius,  clasping  Vir- 
ginia with  his  left  arm,  covered  with  his  mantle 
(toga),  confronts  Appius,  and  leaves  lacTc  with  his 
right  the  lictors. 

Virginius'  daughter !  who  is  now  abroad, 
Fighting  your  battles !  [to  the  people. 

1st  Cit.  The  decemvir  knows  it. 


ACT  II.    SC.  3.  123 

Lictors.  [opposing  their  fasces. 
Decreed ! 

Matron.  Where  are  your  daughters?    [again  to 
the  people.]    2d  Git.  Are  we  slaves  ? 
Down  with  the  lictors ! 
w  Lict.  Back! 

Matron.  0  shame ! 

Lict.  Bear  back ! 
"It  is  decreed!"     [The  people  yield,  though  sullenly, 

leaving  Icilius,  etc.,  exposed. 
Icil.  I  knew  it.     "When  the  judge 
And  claimant  are  one,  what  else?  Do  ye  see  that  wretch  ? 
'T  is  Marcus,  Appius'  client ;  what  besides, 
I  shame,  before  this  innocent  maid,  to  speak. 
Ye  murmur.     "Well  ye  may,  knowing  what  I  mean. 
Is  't  fit  she  should  be  trusted  to  such  hands, 
Were  Appius  even  guiltless?     I  had  thought 
That  honor  was  more  dear  to  Eoman  women 
Than  life  — 

Matron.    It  is !  but  Eoman  men  are  cowards. 
Icil.  —  That  reverence  for  Lucretia  could  not  die. 

[Movement  in  the  crowd. 

Lucretia !  'T  is  a  name 

Matron.  Blush,  Romans ! 
[Movement  becomes  more  tumultuous. 

App.  Lictors ! 

%d  Git.  No !  he  shall  finish  ;   we  will  hear  him  out. 

[The  crowd  press  on  the  lictors  and  force  them  lacTc. 
Icil.  [turning  to  the  tribunal.]  Lucretia !     At  that  name, 
thou  vile  decemvir, 


124  VIRGINIA. 


Dost  thou  not  tremble  ?     Usurper  like  to  Tarquin, 
Recall  his  fate  !     But  Collatiuus  paid 
A  price  I  will  not;  nor  shall  Rome's  proud  annals 
Tell  of  a  second  sorrow  like  to  liis, 
Though  they  record  like  vengeance.     Speak,  Lucilla ! 

[to  the  nurse. 

This  is  no  time  for  secrets.     What  thou  knowest, 
Give  't  to  the  people. 

Matron.  Speak ! 

2d  Git.  We  will  protect  thee. 
App.  [thundering  to  the  lictors.]   Ye  dogs !    what  are  ye 

kept  for !    Strip  the  fasces  ! 
Scourge  back  the  rabble  ! 

2d  Git.  Death  to  the  lictors !  death ! 

The  crowd  struggle  for  the  possession  of  the  fasces. 

NUMITOKIUS,  threatening  M.  CLAUDIUS,  stands  lefore  VIRGINIA, 

while  the  NUESK  supports  her  behind  —  ICILIUS  still 

sustaining  her. 

App.  Arrest  the  rebel !    Seize,  bind,  slay  Icilius !  * 8 
Marcus,  secure  the  slave  ! 

Tcil.  On,  Romans,  on  ! 

He  dashes  lack  MARC.  CLAUDIUS  violently,  consigns 
.VIRGINIA  to  NUMITOR.,  and,  putting  aside  the 

lictors,  makes  directly  for  the  tribunal. 
Strike  for  your  freedom  !     Twelve,  against  you  all  ? 
Trample  them  under  you !     Leave  to  me  the  tyrant. 
App.  To  the  tribunal,  lictors !  guard  the  office.  [The  lictors 
retreat  and  form  between  the  tribunal  and  Icilius. 


ACT  II.    SC.  3.  125 

Citizens!  Appius  wars  not  upon  you !  [The  citizens  re- 
main motionless,  and  Icil.  stands  once  more  exposed. 

Why,  so ! 

Have  ye  forgot  your  reason  ?    Know  ye  not 
The  ambition  of  Icilius  ?    Not  for  her, 
Ill-fated  girl !  this  tumult.     'T  is  sedition, 
Veil'd  with  the  pretext  of  Virginius'  cause. 
He  would  be  tribune,  and  to  found  his  power 
Make  odious  the  decemvirate.    But  the  people 
Shall  judge  between  us.     To  Virginius  absent, 
To  liberty,  to  the  paternal  name, 
Yields  Appius  what  your  violence  nor  his 
Should  wrest,  entreats  the  Assertor  wave  his  right, 
And,  the  decree  revok'd,  prorogues  the  trial. 

[Murmur  of  applause, 

Silence !     Icilius  needs  your  tongues,  not  I.  — 
Once  more  to-day  will  Appius  sit  in  justice, 
But,  the  sun  down,  Virginius  not  appearing, 
He  gives  the  law  its  course,  nor  will  he  need 
To  enforce  it  more  than  these,  [pointing  to  the  lictors. 

1st  Cit.  So  soon  ; 
Virginius  cannot  come! 

2d  Cit.  He  knows  that  well. 

Icil.  He  thinks  it,  friends  ;  but  let  the  tyrant  learn, 
To  his  confusion,  Virginius  even  now 
Is  on  his  way.    [A  movement  of  great  joy. 

Num.  My  son,  that  was  not  wise. 
See  where  the  pander  and  his  lord  change  looks! 
Marc.  Be 't,  great  decemvir  ;  Claudius  asks  but  justice. 
But  who  are  surety  that  the  girl  appear?  ' a 


126  VIRGINIA. 


Enter 
VALERIUS  and  HORATICS. 

Vol.  Lucius  Valerius.  (from  behind  the  people,  who 

<  make  way  for  them,  with 
Hor.  And  Horatms,  I !  (  demonstrations  of  joy. 

People.  And  I ! 
[holding  up  their       And  I ! 
right  hands  simultaneously]    And  all  of  us! 

VALERIUS  and  HOBATIUS,  going  up  the  scene,  confront 

the  decemvir  a  moment,  then  turn  to 

ICILIUS,  and  his  party. 

Vol.  [to  Icil.]  We  have  heard 

Thy  sad  misfortune.     But  [in  undertone  and  signifi- 
cantly] we  came  too  late. 
Hor.  [like  manner.']  Hope. 

Icil.  [to  the  people.]  Thanks !  hut  now,  we  shall  not 

need  you,  friends. 

Impute  to  nothing  mean  these  passionate  tears : 
'T  is  your  love  moves  me  —  mingled  with  despair  — 
Despair  for  liberty,  when  one  man's  power 
Can  make  a  thousand  offer  me  but  love. 
Go  to  your  homes.     Wo,  wo,  for  fetter'd  Rome  ! 
For  Brutus's  Rome !    wo !    wo !    [Exit  (muffling  his 
head)  with  Virginia,  Numit.  and  Nurse  — 
the  Natrons  following  them. 

The  remaining  Citizens  move  forward,  and  form  a  close  group, 

which  VALER.  and  HORAT.,  after  seeing  Icilius'1  party  off 

the  Scene,  join  —  while  MAEC.-  CLAUD.,  ascending 

"behind  the  tribunal,  is  seen  receiving  in  his 

ear  some  secret  instructions  from  APPIUS. 


ACT  II.    SC.  3.  127 

2tZ  Git.  It  is  a  shame ! 
We  are  bound  to  assist  him. 

1st  (Jit.  But  what  can  we  do? 
Vol.  [in  a  low,  impressive  tone.]   Meet  here  again  as  many 

as  you  can, 

Before  the  trial.     Icilius  will  harangue  you. 
Then  shall  you  learn  what  for  yourselves  to  do, 
As  well  as  him.     Nor  shall  you  want,  to  back  you, 
Friends  such  as  we. 

Hor.  [same  manner.]  And  should  you  chance  to  bring 
Arms  hid  about  you,  't  will  not  be  amiss. 
Hush !  not  a  word !     Away,  at  once  ! 

Val.  Remember! 
'T  is  the  last  chance  for  liberty  and  Rome. 

[Exeunt  the  people. 

VAL.  and  HORAT.,  looking  at  the  decemvir  and  MARCUS  a 
moment,  pass  slowly  up  the  scene,  and  Exeunt.  — 

MARCUS  descends,  and  comes  forward. 
Marc,  [in  low  tone.]  Murder  already !     Yet  the  knife  may 

glance, 

And  hit  its  owner.     Wo  then  unto  me  ! 
"Who  dare  not  flinch,  yet  tremble  to  obey.  [Exit. 
App.  Waits  no  one  more  for  justice  ?    Lictors,  move. 

[Rises,  and,  as  he  turns  to  descend,  the 

Dropfalh.2" 


128  VIKGINIA. 


ACT    THE 


Scene  L     A  mean  apartment  in  the  house  ofLicia. 

MAEOUS    CLAUDIUS.        LIVIA. 
[Marcus  just  entering.] 

Liv.  "What  has  detain'd  thee  ? 

Marc.  Has  revenge  grown  cool  ? 

Liv.  Cool  !     If  the  damn'd  feel  half  the  pangs,  that  here, 

[pressing  her  heart. 

And  here  [her  head.],  consume  me,  since  the  sun  arose 
To  light  my  day  of  vengeance,  then  the  gods 
Indeed  are  cruel.     Think'st  thou  there  he  Furies  ? 
Marc.  'T  were  best  not  ask  me.2  *  [carelessly. 

Liv.  Oh  !  there  must  be  such  ! 
There  must  !     I  feel  it.     My  temples  are  on  fire, 
Sear'd  with  their  torches,  and  around  my  heart 
Their  cold  snakes  coiling  sting  me  to  the  core. 
'T  was  my  long  agony  ask'd,  What  detain'd  thee. 
Marc.  As  thy  pains  balance,  head  for  heart,  thou  need'st 
No  comfort.     "What  I  have  to  tell,  may  cool 
Perhaps  thy  head,  or  salve  thy  heart,  or  be, 
For  aught  I  know,  the  scourge,  that  was  forgotten 
In  thy  sweet  list  of  ecstacies.    My  Livia, 
Thou  'rt  very  cunning  ;  but  the  virgin  dnp'd  thee, 
With  her  two  days.     Her  sire  is  coming  now. 


ACT.  III.    SC.   1.  129 

Liv.  Thou  dost  not  think  it !  thou  sayst  it  but  to  plague 

me ! 

Coming  !  Then  fall  the  sure  threads  of  my  warp ! 
Marc.  Of  Appius',  say  ;  for  he  alone  is  weaver. 

Thine !  thou  dost  little  more  than  hand  the  wool. 
But  hast  thou  lost  thy  question,  What  detain'd  mo  ? 
Liv.  I  care  not  now.     What 's  thy  delay  to  me  ? 
Marc.  Much,  if.'t  was  made  to  gather  up  those  threads 
That  now  were  dropp'd. 

Liv.  By  what  means  ? 
Marc,  {in  Tier  ear,  but  loudly.]  Murder. 

Liv.  Murder! 

Oh,  no !  —    [Recovering ;    and  eagerly. 
But  of  Icilius? 

Marc.  Would  it  were ! 

My  qualms  were  few  then  ;  for  my  bones  are  sore. 

Liv.  Not  —  not  Virginius  ?    Do  not  nod !  speak !  speak ! 

Marc.  "Whom  else?     Why,  how  thou  look'st!     Virginius 

spurn'd  thce, 
As  if  thou  wert  a  toad. 

Liv.  He  did !  he  did ! 
May  his  heart  rot  for  it,  inch  by  inch!     But  —  but  — 

I  would  not  have  him  dead No,  no  !  no  murder ! 

Not  that  I  love  him But  he  shall  not  die ! 

I  am  not  yet  so  bad •    No,  no !  no  murder ! 

Oh!  no,  no,  Marcus!  no! 

Marc.  Thou  art  very  strange ! 
Thou  'dst  have  his  heart  rot,  yet  he  shall  not  die! 
He  must  have  wondrous  insides. 

Liv.  Do  not  mock  me! 
G* 


130  VIRGINIA. 

Is  it  not  I  that  am  the  cause  of  all? 
I  made  thee  note  the  daughter's  beauty  ;  --  coming 
The  girl  was  from  her  school ;  and  at  my  hint 
Thou  spak'st  to  Appius,  set  his  blood  on  fire, 

And  now Virginius  shall  not  die !     His  life : 

Or  the  plot  withers :  —    I'll  reveal  it  all ! 

Marc.  And  have  thy  carcase  flung  from  the  Tarpeian. 
Thou  foolish,  woman  !  hear.    By  Appius'  order, 
I  have  hired  three  villains  to  assault  this  man, 
On  his  way  home.     'T  is  but  a  chance  they  meet  him, 

A  chance  that  they  prevail 

Liv.  But  if  they  do, 

I  will  denounce  thy  patron  to  the  people. 
By  all  the  gods  in  Heaven  and  Hell,  I'll  do  it ! 

Marc.  Wilt  thou  !     I  will  not  die  alone.     The  people, 

Taught  what  thou  art,  shall  tear  thee  limb  from  limb.  — 
What  demon  loos'd  my  tongue  ?  and  to  a  woman ! 

But  who  had  dream'd,  that  love  ? 

Liv.  Love !  canst  thou  mean 
Love  for  Virgiuius  ?    Love  ?    More  deadly  hate 
Never  felt  woman.     I  would  kill  his  pride, 
Torture  him  piecemeal  where  he  tortur'd  me, 
But  not  kill  Mm.     Canst  thou  not  see  a  difference  ? 

Marc.  A  vast  one.     Thou  wouldst  murder  inch  by  inch, 
A  little  every  day ;  with  one  blow,  Appius 

Takes  all  of  his  enjoyment  all  at  once. • 

Wilt  thou  appear  when  call'd,  and  do  thy  part  ? 
Liv.  I  will  appear  when  call'd,  and  do  my  part  — 

As  lives  or  dies  Virginius.    Thou  shalt  see.     [Going. 

Marc.  See  that  we  tools,  that  carve  the  master's  pleasure, 


ACT  III.    SC.  2.  131 


Shall  break  our  edges,  and  be  thrown  away.  — 

[Exit  Lima. 

Torture  his  pride !  and  piecemeal !     This  is  conscience! 
Make  him  supremely  wretched  —  but  no  blood ! 
Furies  ?    There  may  be,  or  may  not ;  but  this 
Is  sure;  who  made  them  female,  knew  what  hands 
Might  be  entrusted  with  the  whips  of  Hell.23 

[Exit  —  but  at  opposite  side. 


SCENE  II. 

Room  in  the  home  of  Numitorius. 
ICILIUS  and  VIEGINIA. 

VIRGINIA  is  seen  leaning  on  ICILITTS'  shoulder,  her  face  hidden, 
in  an  attitude  of  distress. 

Icil.  Gods,  is  this  equity  ?     Must  your  thunder  singe 
Alike  the  delicate  shrub  and  branching  tree  ? 
I  may  not,  and  I  have  no  thought  nor  will 
To  impeach  your  justice;  in  this  mortal  heart, 
Frail  and  infirm  of  purpose,  if  ye  have  planted 


132  VIRGINIA. 

Immutable  love  of  truth,  your  deathless  essence, 
Temptation-proof  and  unassail'd  by  fear, 
Cannot  see  right  and  wrong  with  equal  eye  : 
Yet  spare  this  innocent  child !  she  is  too  young 
To  bide  those  trials,  which  o'er  maturer  hearts, 
Grown  callous  with  the  storms  of  many  years, 
Sweep  without  ruin,  and  but  make  them  strong. 
O,  it  is  hard ! 
Va.  [looking  up  with  surprise]    Dear  Lucius !     Do  not 

weep ! 

Icil.  Twice  in  one  day  these  eyes !  —  I  thought  them  stone 
To  any  private  grief:  but  now  their  dew 
Drips  over,  spite  of  manhood. 

Va.  Is  there,  then, 
No  hope  ?  none  ? 

Icil.  Hope?     It  was  Iloratius'  word. 
Oh !  that  there  were  ten  men  in  all  the  people 
Like  him  and  like  Valerius,  worthy  both 
Of  their  immortal  names !     Eome  yet  might  breathe 
And  shake  this  nightmare  from  her.    Death !  to  think 
Men  should  have  heads  and  hands,  yet  fear  to  use  them ! 
Be  born  erect,  yet  crouch  like  cattle  !     Are  there 
No  Eomans  left  ? 

Va.  Virgiuius  is,  my  father. 
Icil.  Yes,  yes,  they  are  all  at  camp.     The  air 
Of  Eome  is  pestilence  to  Eoman  virtue. 
But  we  will  not  despair;  no,  my  Virginia! 
'T  were  sin  to  doubt  high  Heaven. 

Va.  Yet  —  if  my  heart  — 


ACT  III.    SO.  2.  133 


Have  boded  true  —  and  no  help  is  in  man  — 

Lucius  —  wilt  —  wilt    thou Promise    me  —  O 

swear  it ! 

Thou  wilt  not  let  Virginia  fall  alive 
Into  those  wicked  hands !     O  swear  it,  Lucius ! 
Swear  that  thy  own  dear  hand  shall  send  me  pure 
Unto  my  mother !     Why  art  thou  so  still  ? 
Thou  dost  not  doubt  my  firmness  ? 

Ml.  Doubt  it?    No! 
No ;  I  was  mute  with  adoration  ;  faltering, 

Because  —  because How  can  I  else  but  falter  ? 

I  cannot  think  —  't  would  drive  me  to  despair ! 
Thy  bodements  true.     "We  have  done  nothing,  thou 
In  thy  most  innocent  heart  couldst  not  conceive 
The  thought  of  any  thing,  should  bring  down  on  us, 
On  thee  this  horrible  fate. 

Va.  Thou  mu>t  not  murmur. 
To  the  high  gods  man's  individual  wo 
Counts  nothing,  weigh'd  with  the  common  good  of  all. 
"When  we  were  children,  thou  knowest,  the  parent's 

rule 

Seem'd  often  tyranny,  and  our  transient  pains 
Cruel,  because  we  saw  not,  and  seeing  could  not 
Eightly  discern,  the  aim  of  their  infliction. 
Are  we  not,  Lucius,  to  the  omniscient  gods 
As  little  children,  and  our  moans  and  murmuring 
Proofs  that  we  are  well  car'd  for  ?    Thou  wast  born 
Not  of  the  kind  to  whom  life  brings  but  pleasure, 
And  thy  great  soul,  thus  crucified  to  joy, 


134  VIRGINIA. 

May  from  its  agony  gain  gigantic  strength 
For  Eorae's  deliverance. 

Icil.  Speak  on !  speak  ever ! 
Not  for  my  glory,  but  for  thine :  speak  on ! 
Va.  Nay,  I  am  feeble,  Lucius,  and  unapt ; 
But  I  am  Roman;  and  in  my  woman's-breast 
A  voice  from  Heaven  cries,  Murmur  not, —  thy  blood 
Shall  fertilize  the  soil  of  Roman  freedom, 
And  seed  there  sown  shall  yield  perennial  fruit, 
Justice  and  wisdom,  honor,  single  truth, 
Temperance  and  valor,  and  other  goodly  growth 
Of  the  tree  whose  smallest  leaves  send  up  to  Heaven 
Ambrosial  odors. 

Icil.  And  couldst  thou,  Virginia, 
Offer  thy  life  new-garlanded  with  love, 
And  wreath'd  with  fillets  of  all  human  joys 
That  wait  on  innocent  youth,  thou  good,  thou  fair, 
Dear  to  thy  widow'd  father,  and  —  for  me  — 
O  how  to  speak  thee  !     Couldst  thou  —  die,  Virginia, 
Slaughter'd  to  free  a  most  unthankful  people, 
Whose  hearts,  ere  yet  the  sacrificial  fire 

Has  dried  thy Speak !  for  I  can  not. 

Va.  Whose  hearts 

Will  lose  all  trace  of  me  ?  —    Is  duty  measur'd 
By  what  it  earns  of  gratitude  ?    Believe  me, 
Dear  as  my  life  is,  dearer  now  than  ever 
For  thy  dear  sake,  I  will  not  struggle  once, 

If  Rome  demand  the  victim,  and  thy  hand 

Swear  thou  wilt  do  it,  Lucius! 

Icil.  I  do  swear. 


ACT  III.   SO.  2.  135 


As  I  would  shed  my  own,  my  mother's  blood, 

So  she  were  living,  and  the  good  of  Rome 

Call'd  for  the  sacrifice.     Icilius'  word 

Should  need  no  oath ;  yet  thou,  beloved,  I  see  it, 

Mistrusts  him  for  his  love's  sake.     Yet  to  him 

What  wouldst  thou  be,  wert  thou  no  more  Virginia  ? 

No !  thou  true  daughter  of  the  olden  Rome, 

Not  of  the  Rome  of  now !  if  thou  must  die, 

Thus,  in  the  yet  shut  flower  of  thy  youth, 

I (I  have  less  strength  than  thou !)  —  if  thou 

must  die, 

For  Rome,  thy  mother,  thou  shalt  die,  I  swear  it, 
Worthy  of  her ! 

Va.  'T  is  to  die  thy  spouse, 
To  die  unstain'dj  and  fearless  —  and  die  happy, 
So  my  last  breath  be  gathered  by  thy  lips. 
Icil.  Thou  shalt  not  die !   Rome  is  not  grown  so  heartless ! 
Fathers  and  husbands  are  not  so  insensate ! 
Their  arms  must  strike  for  me  and  for  Virginias  ! 
Our  cause  is  one.    Then,  have  we  not  our  friends, 
Valerius  and  Horatius,  and  their  friends 
Who  are  foes  to  Appius?    Is  the  tyrant  proof 
To  what  kills  other  men?     Oh!  we  are  mad  ! 
We  libel  our  fellows  and  asperse  the  gods, 
Desponding  thus.     Thou  shalt  not  die,  Virginia! 
Blood  shall  be  shed,  and  for  the  good  of  Rome, 
But  on  the  altars  of  the  god  of  Hell, 
And  the  black  gore  drip  downwards !     Come,  Virginia, 
Seek  we  the  hall.     There  by  thy  uncle's  hearth, 
Whose  tutelar-gods  thy  mother's  childhood  knew,24 


13()  VIRGINIA. 

Await  with  him  thy  sire,  while,  new  in  hope, 
I  speed  to  rouse  the  ashes  of  dead  Rome. 
Let  the  black  shadow  from  my  heart  now  passing 
Be  better  augury,  and  thy  own  grim  omens 
Vanish  like  dreams. 

Va.  Dreams !     But  thy  vow  remember. 
[Exeunt. 


SCEXE  III. 

A  room  in  a  diversorium,  or  road-side  inn,  near  Some. 
ViRGixir/s,  QtiisTtrs  ICILICS,  OAIUS  NUMITOKICS. 

Virg.  Enough  of  rest.     Let  us  make  onward,  boys. 

[draws  his  hood25  over  his  head. 
Yet  my  heart  trembles,  as  I  near  the  town. 
My  daughter !  my  Virginia !  —     Who  is  that  ? 
C.  Num.  Uncle,  a  slave  of  Appius  the  decemvir's, 
His  messenger.    How  hot  the  fellow  looks! 
Q.  Icil.  Some  pressing  matter. 

Virg.  With  some  wicked  view. 


ACT  III.    SC.  3. 


C.  Num.  He  sees  and  slums  us. 

Virg.  'T  is  a  wonder,  that. 

His  master's  slave  should  not  have  modest  scruples. 
Call  him  in,  Caius. 

C.  Num.  Tabellarius !  friend ! 


Enter  MESSENGER. 

Mess.  Save  you,  my  masters. 

Virg.  Com'st  thou  from  the  town  ? 
Mess.  In  all  haste  from  the  great  decemvir.    I  seek 

The  camp  at  Algidum  —  scarce  pause  to  breathe. 
Virg.  The  camp!     What  is  there  toward?     Not  peace, 

I  trust. 

Mess.  I  know  not.     I  've  no  verbal  charge  but  these  : 
To  see  myself  the  general,  Marcus  Sergius, 
And  shun  there  one  Virginius,  a  centurion. 

VIRGIJJIUS  draws  the  hood  closer  over  his  face.     QUINTUS 

and  CAIUS  exchange  looks  and  turn  hastily  to 

Virgin.  —  which  the  slave  observes. 

You  know  Virginius,  then  ?  [to  the  youths. 

Virg.  They  do.     But  I 
Know  him  far  better. 
Mess,  {uneasily  andmoving  to  go.]  A  friend,  perhaps? 

Virg.  Why,  scarce. 

From  my  birth  up,  he  whom  thou  call'st  Virginius 
Has  been  my  fatalest  enemy.     Good  friend, 


VIRGINIA. 


We  arc  just  from  camp :    wouldst  thou  declare  thy 

message 

'T  would  please  us  greatly  —  this  for  thy  refreshment  — 

[handing  him  money. 

And  none  can  teach  thee  how  to  shun  Virginius, 
So  well  as  I. 

Mess.  Did  I  but  know  thee,  master 

Yet 'Tis  but  this,  [showing  the  tablets. 

Virg.  On  tablets !     O  rare  haste  ! 
Now  would  I  give  the  world  to  know  thy  news. 
Trust  me,  my  friend.     Thy  master,  were  he  here, 
"Would  own  the  Fates  themselves  had  sent  these  letters 
Into  my  hands.     Come,  let  me  see  them.     Boys, 

[giving  C.  and  Q.  money. 

Take  this  good  man  within,  and  let  the  victualer 
Give  of  his  best. 

Mess.  Thou  art  so  generous,  master 

[suffering  Virg.  to  take  the  tablets. 

And  yet No,  no. 

C.  Num.  Come ;  thou  hast  little  time. 
Mess.  And  that  is  true. 

Virg.  "Why,  man,  thou  need'st  not  fear. 
Would  I  dare  trifle  with  thy  great  decemvir  ? 
Is  he  not  Appius?     Go.  [Exeunt  the  youths  and  Mess. 
My  fears  compel  me. 

[opening  the  tallets. 

Reading.']  "  Appius  Claudius  to  his  colleague,  Marcus 
Sergius,  Health. —    Keep,  any  way,  at  camp 
Lucius  Virginius,  till  the  third  day  after 


ACT  III.    SC.  3.  139 


The  messenger's  return."     O  too  just  fears  ! 
My  child !  my  child  !  —    But  't  is  no  time  to  grieve. 
[Takes  from  its  case  Ms  style,  and  rulling  over, 
with  the  broad  end,  the  wax  of  the  tablets 
in  two  plates,  writes  over  the 
places  with  the  point. 
Now  it  reads  better  :  Keep  the  messenger  ; 
And  the  "return"  goes  with  Virginius1  name. 
The  third  day  after  that,  is  long  enough !  26 

Re-enter  hastily 
The  MESSENGER,  followed,  ly  CAIUS  and  QUINTUS. 

Mess.  Give  it  me  back ;  I  cannot  eat  for  fear. 
"Why  —  how !   Thou  hast  chang'd  the  writing ! 

Virg.  Slave !  dost  dare  ? 

Mess.  Pardon  me. —  Oh!  this  place  has  been  rubb'd  over!  — 
Nor  look  the  words  the  same  ! 

Virg.  How  shouldst  thou  know  ? 
'T  is  as  it. should  be.     I  disturb'd  the  wax, 
And  then  re-wrote  it.     There  is  not  one  word 
Bat  what  stood  there  at  first.      Knows  Konie  not 

Appius  ? 
Is  my  life  nothing  ?     Go.     Thou  losest  time. 

[Exit  Messenger. 

And  we  too,,  sons ;  our  steeds  are  not  the  wind. 
My  daughter ! 

G.  Num.  "What  has  chanc'd  ?     Thou  art  so  pale  I 
Virg.  I'll  tell  tlieo  on  our  way.  —    0  Rome !    0  Rome !  — 


140  VIRGINIA. 

My  child!  —    Accursed  tyrant! Boys, 

Ye  have  heard  Virginius  lie  like  any  slave. 
C.  Num.  Lie,  uncle  ? 

Virg.  Yes :  what  is  it  to  deceive  ? 
The  words  are  nothing;  't  is  the  intent  alone 
Makes  them  or  true  or  false.     That  beaten  slave 
Had  been  but  politic ;  but  I,  a  freeman, 
A  Roman,  and  a  soldier,  cannot  use 
Ulysses'  craft  without  both  sin  and  shame. 
Learn  that  of  me ;  and  be  this  cheek  your  monitor.  — 
Yet  oh,  my  daughter !     't  was  alone  for  thee !  — 
Tyrant,   I'll  have   thy  life !  —      Come,  boys.  —    My 
child! 

[Exeunt. 


ACT  IV.    SC.  1.  141 


ACT     THE     FotTETH 

Scene  L    A  part  of  the  Forum. 
ICILIUS  and  PEOPLE. 

Icil.  Children  of  Romulus !  —    But  I  would  rather, 
So  ye  will  suffer  it,  call  you  Brutus'  children; 
For  Brutus  was  your  better  sire ;  to  him 
Ye  owe  it,  that  you  stand  not  simply  now 
Where  the  first  plac'd  you,  subjects  of  a  king, 
But  your  own  sovereigns  —  when  you  dare  be  such  — 
"Which  is  not  always.  — 

2d  Git.  That  is  over  plain. 

Icil.  When  was  truth  otherwise,  to  those  whose  conscience 
Fears  her  reproaches  ?    If  ye  dare  to  rule, 
Why  serve  ye  ?    I  will  tell  you.    As  the  steed, 
Broke  to  the  bit,  forgets  the  natural  power 
Which,  us'd,  would  fling  his  rider  headlong,  so 

Your  mouths  are  bitted 

2d  Git.  Fy !  we  are  not  brutes. 

Icil.  The  horse  is  valiant,  generous,  faithful :  why 
Shame  ye  to  be  his  parallel  ?    In  the  fight, 
Shrinks  he  with  terror  ?    When  the  trumpet  sounds, 
His  eye  darts  fire,  and  his  spread  nostrils  snort. 
Yet  lo  !  astride  him  are  the  master's  limbs. 
Ye  fight  too  —  for  your  leaders —  whipp'd  and  curb'd. 
'T  is  habit  with  yon  both,  which  makes  this  mastery 


142  VIRGINIA. 


Seem  like  a  part  of  you.     But  let  volition 
Swell  your  big  muscles  to  their  natural  force, 
'T  is  lord  and  steed  no  longer. 

2d  Cit.  And  no  longer 
Shall  be  so !     "We  are  Komans  —    Brutus'  children. 

Icil.  I  hope  so.     But  be  still.     Icilius  loves 
Your  voices,  as  the  tyrant  said ;  but  now 
He  wants  your  hearts.     Time  was,  when  public  rights, 
Invaded,  spoil'd,  extinguish'd,  were  alone 
Icilius'  only  sorrow :  -  7  the  bitter  stream 
Flow'd  pure,  as  from  one  source.     Now,  private  grief 
Mixes  its  current  with  the  popular  flood, 
Made  tenfold  bitterer,  but  no  longer  pure. 
1st  Cit.  "Why  so,  Icilius  ?  there  are  husbands  here. 
2(Z  Cit.  None  the  worse  patriots,  that  they  love  their  wives.28 

Icil.  True,  't  is  the  aggregate  of  personal  griefs 
Makes  general  sorrow,  and  the  love  of  country 
Is  but  a  loftier  love  of  self:  yet 't  was 
Icilius'  pride   (man  has  no  right  to  pride, 
And  the  gods  punish  it),  no  selfish  care 
Peer'd  through  his  zeal  for  freedom.   You  all  have  heard 
2  9 1  seek  to  restore  the  tribunes :  Appius  said  it : 
And  I  avow  it.    Avow  it  ?    I  proclaim  it. 
30  Alas  for  me  !  their  power  suspended  trials. 
0  fatal  day !  big  with  Rome's  servitude, 
And  death  to  me !  when,  to  secure  you  laws, 
Ye  gave  up  all  for  which  the  laws  were  made, 
Setting  these  Ten  above  you,  without  appeal ! 
Down  went  the  Tribunes  ;  and  rose  up,  more  thick 
Than  ever  your  host  of  wrongs.    "What  were  you,  what 


ACT  rv.  sc.  i.  143 

You  are,  I  have  said  :  strong  steeds  that  bear  a  rider, 
Fighters  of  battles,  whose  cost  is  all  your  own, 
Whose  glory  the  patricians' ;  yet  more  safe 
Amid  your  enemies'  darts,  than  here,  where  bonds 
And  outrage  make  the  horrors  of  the  field 
Sweet  as  a  bride-bed.    Is  the  day  so  old, 
"When  the  brave  soldier  from  his  prison  burst, 
Haggard  with  famine,  bleeding  with  fresh  stripes, 
Made  bare  his  mangled  back,  where  the  sharp  spine 
Stood  out  uncover'd  —  for  the  creditor's  lash        » 
Had  stripp'd  the  fell  starvation  spar'd,  — and  shriek'd 
For  vengeance  ? 

2(Z  Cit.  And  our  fathers  heard  him. 

Icil.  Ay. 
Mad  with   their  wrongs,  they  nigh  had  crush'd  the 

senate, 

But  —  mark !  they  did  not.    And  the  consuls  promis'd, 
(The  Volscian  war  was  imminent ;)  and  the  people, 
Believing  —  is  there  aught  ye  '11  not  believe, 
Ye  credulous  fools!  rush'd  hither  in  vast  crowds, 
To  take  the  oath,  and  get  reprieve  from  bondage 
Fear'd  worse  than  death.     They  fought;  and  when 

they  had  conquer'd, 

Volscians,  Auruncians,  both,  then  Appius  Claudius, 
Meet  grandsire  of  the  man  who  now  would  violate 
The  citizen's  dearest  rights,  nor  those  alone, 
But  even  of  Nature's  self —  this  Appius,  scorning 
His  colleague's  promise,  drew  again  the  gyves 
On  the  starv'd  debtor,  and  once  more  the  lash 
And  workhouse  were  the  recompense  of  valor 


144  VIRGINIA. 

And  balm  of  wounds. —    Nay,  save  your  groans. —  « 

What  follow'd  ? 

Why  did  the  legions  cross  the  Anio  ;  there, 
With  ditch  and  rampart  fortify  the  Mount, 
And  leave  Kome  to  her  terrors?    Was  it  not, 
Again  they  had  been  deluded,  though  again 
They  had  fought  and  conquer'd  ?  when,  for  very  shame, 
The  incens'd  dictator  (he  was  a  Valerius, 
Not  a  Claudius)  threw  his  office  up. 
•  But  glorious  secession !  which  taught  the  proud 
The  uses  of  the  humble,  and  obtain'd 
For  the  state's  task-worn  drudges  their  own  magistrates, 
The  sacrosanctity  of  whose  office  yielded 
Resort  against  oppression !     Yet  again 
The  thunder  of  the  Veto  shall  be  heard ! 
I  hear  its  distant  rumble  in  the  clouds 
Which  black  the  sky  of  freedom  !  and  its  bolts 
May  more  than  purge  the  air. 

2d  Cit.  Be  't !    Let  them  strike ! 
1st  Cit.  We  will  secede  again. 

Icil  Secede? 

2d  Cit.  Ay,  now. 
We  want  our  tribunes. 

Icil.  Surely,  ye  are  mad. 
Talk  of  secession  ?     Then  ye  Lave  forgot 
What  your  Sicinius  paid  to  speak  that  word? 
1st  Cit.  No,  no ;  we  have  not ! 

Icil.  And  to  whom  ? 

2d  Cit.  Nor  that. 
Murder'd  by  the  decemvirs. 


ACT  IV.    SC.  1.  145 

Icil.  Say,  by  Appius. 
The  Ten  are  but  the  fingers  of  one  pair 
Of  active  hands ;  and  that  one  pair  is  Appius. 
Murder'd  by  Appius ;  but  for  whose  strong  will 
The  fingers  never  could  have  clutch'd  his  life. 
Let  me  recall  the  atrocious  deed.     'T  is  true, 
Not  many  moons  have  wan'd  since,  and  the  fact 
Mainly  is  unforgot ;  yet  Time  keeps  wearing, 
"Wearing  ever  the  sharp  impression  down, 
Whose  lines  must  be  retouch'd  to  con  it  fair. 
"What  was  Sicinius'  crime  ?    He  spoke  as  I, 
As  you  are  doing.    Must  the  tongue  wear  fetters  ? 
Is  thought,  which  has  no  substance  for  the  chain, 
The  only  natural  right  the  free  have  left, 
The  free,  so  call'd,  of  Borne?    The  man  was  one 
Worthy  the  name  of  man;  and  all  true  men 
Are  fear'd  of  tyrants.     So,  at  Appius'  nod, 
The  generals  sent  him  —  with  a  show  of  honor 

1st  Git.  Traitors !  we  know  it. 

Icil.  Ay  ;  but  hear.     They  sent  him 
To  explore  the  enemy's  ground,  and  choose  a  camp-site. 
At  a  fit  place  for  their  design,  the  train, 
A  century  full 't  is  said,  fell  on  the  hero. 

1st  Cit.  He  was  a  hero ! 

Icil.  Of  a  hundred  fights ; 
The  winner  of  a  score  of  civic  crowns, 
Besides  as  many  others ;  and  his  breast, 
Broad  as  the  sea-god's,  was  one  scar  with  wounds, 
Eeceiv'd  for  you,  for  liberty,  for  Eome. 


146  VIRGINIA. 


1st  Git,  We  will  avenge  him ! 

2d  Cit.  Life  for  life!    [amid  a  tumult 

of  voices,  and  the  crowd  swaying,  as  with 

one  impulse  of  the  same  emotion. 

Icil  'T  is  just. 

But  hear  me  out.  —    He  was  a  hero.     Heroes 
Submit  not  tamely  to  be  butcher'd.     More, 
He  was  a  freeman ;  and  his  hundred  foes, 
Though  Romans  too,  were  voluntary  slave?, 
Traitors  and  tools  of  tyrants.     "With  his  back 
.  Against  a  rock,  the  freeman  and  the  man 

Enter  VALERIUS  and  HOBATITJS. 

Bore  up  against  the  whole  of  Appius'  slaves. 
1st  Cit.  He  was  a  Codes ! 

Zd  Cit.  An  Horatius-Cocles ! 

Hor.  Go  on,  Icilius :  and  you  [to  Citzs.},  mark  the  issue. 
Icil.  Fifteen  he  slew,  and  on  their  bodies  heap'd 
A  score  of  wounded,  if  the  count  be  true  ; 
For  as  I  told  you,  though  they  were  all  Romans, 
He  was  a  Roman  freeman,  and  they  slaves, 
The  slaves  of  your  Decemvir.     So  they  clomb 
The  steep  behind  him,  and  upon  his  head 
Rolling  unseen  huge  fragments  of  the  crag, 
Finish'd  their  work.  [Tlie  crowd  again  sways  to  and  fro, 

with  a  deep  murmur. 
Vol.  And  sent  the  heroic  soul 
To  wander  on  the  spirit-shore,  complaining 


ACT  IV.    SO.  1.  147 

lie  still  is  unaveng'd. 

2d  Git.  But  shall  be  so 
No  longer ! 

and* others  \ simultaneou#ly.]  No  1  no  longer ! 

[TJiey  raise  their  right  hands  with  a 

vehement  and  threatening  gesture, 

and  are  moving  up  the  scene. 

Eor.  Say  you  so? 
Come  on ! 

2d  Git.  On  with  Horatius ! 

Icil.  Stay ! 

2d  Git.  No,  on  ! 
Liberty  and  Icilius !     Death  to  the  tyrant. 

\T1ie  crowd  take  up  this  last  cry. 

Icil.  Friends,  are  you  mad?  —    Horatius!     Is  this  wise  ? 
Hear  me  a  moment. 

Hor.  And  so  give  them  time 

To  cool  and  tremble.  \The  crowd  pause,  and  begin  to 

form  again  about  Icilius. 
Vol.  Quite  as  well  as  burn 
In  their  own  fire. 

Hor.  What  matters,  so  their  foe 
Burn  with  them  ? 

Vol.  They  'd  not  think  so ;  and  their  foe 
Is  little  likely.    "Would  not  all  our  order 
Take  part  with  Appius  ?  —    But  Icilius  speaks.  f 

Icil.  Romans,  't  is  not  I  doubt  you  ;  but  the  blow 
Must  be  both  sure  and  sudden.     Appius  now 
"Would  be  prepar'd,  and  in  a  moment  girt 
"With  all  his  friends  ;  but  here,  alone  amidst  ye, 


148  VIRGINIA. 

An  easy  prey.     Here  then,  where  flesh'd  in  crime 
The  assassin  tyrant  would  enact  the  ravisher, 
The  Tarquin  of  man-murder  stand  proclaim'd, 
By  his  own  mouth,  the  Tarquin  for  whose  lust 
"We  who  have  wives  and  daughters  must  find  food, 
Here,  for  our  wives  and  daughters,  let  us  strike, 
And  by  one  blow  free  them,  ourselves,  and  Eome. 

11CK.\   We  will,  we  will! 

Ml.  Think  on  Sicinius  butcher'd ; 
And  when  the  assassin,  in  the  face  of  Jove, 
Fronting  his  Capitol,  dooms  to  greater  wo 
The  good  Virginius,  and  his  child,  and  me, 
Think  on  your  own  Virginias,  and  remembering 
That  ye  are  Junius  Brutus'  children,  strike ! 

2d  Cit.  Remembering  we  are  Brutus'  children,  strike ! 

And  the  crowd  moves  slowly  up  the  scene,  cldming  in  with 

2o  CIT.,  at  the  word  "  Strike !"  —  Halting,  they 

watch  from  the  "background,  the  conference 

between  HOE.,  VALEK.,  and  ICILIUS. 

Hor.  'T  is  spoken  well,  Icilius.     But  how  long 
"Will  those  flat  ears  retain  the  eloquent  sound  ? 
Thou  shouldst  have  let  them,  when  the  arm  was  up, 
Strike. 

Icil.  If  the  blow  had  swerv'd,  what  then?   Their  chains 
,  Were  riveted  for  ever.     Give  the  mass 

The  deep  self-interest  which  impels  the  man, 
You  make  them  constant ;  but,  till  this  be  done, 
The  impulsive  power  never  has  that  force 
Which  crushes  obstacles.     The  foes  of  Appius, 


ACT.  IV.    SC.  1.  149 


In  bulk,  might  bury  under  them  his  friends : 
Why  do  they  not  then  do  it? 

Vol.  Justly  said. 

'T  is  only  here,  i'  the  Forum,  where  the  wrong 
Done  to  Virginius  shall  new-point  their  rage 
For  their  own  daily  wrongs,  and  Appius'  measure 
Of  insolence  and  crime,  already  brimming, 
Flow  over,  the  popular  courage  will  make  head 
Against  habitual  terrors. 

Hor.  We  shall  see. 

When  cool'd  the  metal,  vain  the  workman's  art 
To  shape  it  to  his  wish. 

Icil.  Wilt  thou,  Horatius, 

With  thine  own  fire,  maintain  what  heat  is  now, 
Keeping  the  iron  ductile  ?    I  must  go 
To  seek  Virginius. 

Hor.  What  my  breath  may  do, 
Depend  on :  but  trust  more  the  scanty  time, 
And  Appius'  own  imprudence.    [Goes  up  the  scene,  and 
beckons  to  the  crowd,  who  gather  round  him  eagerly, 
while  he  appears  to  harangue  them. 

Vol.  Which  shall  have 

Full  sweep.    Be  it  mine  to  keep  back  Spurius  Oppius 
With  his  twelve  fasces.  —   Courage !  for  this  day 
Koine  will  be  free. 

Icil.  I  feel  it ;  yet,  would  Heaven, 
I  were  assur'd  't  would  cost  me  merely  life !  3 1 

[Exit. 

VALEEIUS,  looking  thoughtfully  after  him  a  moment,  Exit  at 

opposite  side  ;  and  the  Scene  changes  —  the  dumb-show 

in  the  background  still  continuing. 


150  VIRGINIA. 

SCENE  II. 
The  Atrium  of  the  home  of  Numitorius. 

VIRGINIA  and  VIEGINIUS,  meeting. 
At  a  little  distance,  following  Virginia,  NUMITORIUS. 

*• 
Virg.  My  child !  my  child !  —    But  thou  as  yet  art  safe, 

As  yet  my  virgin  daughter !     Jove  himself 
Inspir'd  thy  timely  summons.     'T  was  for  Eome, 
As  well  as  thee. 

Va.  Heaven's  providence.     I  knew  not 
The  oppressor's  cruel  purpose ;  but,  each  day 
His  insolent  importunities  increasing, 
I  could  no  more  keep  silence  ;  and  I  fear'd 
To  —  [turning  her  head  in  the  direction  of  the  door,  as 

listening]  to  invoke It  is  his  step ! 

Virg.  Icilius'? 

Thine  ears  are  wondrous  quick.     Nay !  'tis  a  love 
Thou  hast  no  right  to  blush  for ;  and  the  eve, 
(Be  it  to-morrow,)  that  shall  make  thee  his, 
Benders  thy  sire  the  proudest  in  all  Eome.32 
Va.  Alas! 

Enter  ICILITJS, 

Icil.  Virginias !  father  :  happily  come ! 
Virg.  Lucius,  my  son !  —    Is  Eome  dead  to  all  honor  ? 
Icil.  They  that  are  dead  to  freedom  have  no  honor. 
The  people  stood  around,  and  saw  thy  daughter, 


ACT  IV.   SO.  2.  151 

Icilius'  promis'd  spouse,  pronounc'd  a  slave ; 
And  the  foul  mouth  that  dar'd  the  insult  breathes. 
Honor  ?  where  rule  ten  tyrants  ? 

Virg.  Patience,  son. 

Icil.  Look  on  this  maid.    Though  Chastity  had  fled 
All  other  shrines,  were  not  her  temple  here  ?  33 
Feel  that  this  innocent  being  is  thy  child 
Past  any  doubt ;  then  hear  that  Appius'  pander 
Laid  his  polluting  finger  on  her  body, 
Asserting  servitude,  and  ask  of  me, 
"Whom  thou  hast  honor'd  with  this  precious  gift, 
Patience. 

Virg.  To  nerve  thy  arm  for  surer  vengeance. 
Passion  defeats  its  motive,  and  the  blood, 
It  forces  to  the  vision,  clouds  its  aim. 
He,  who  with  fury  would  avenge  a  wrong, 
Flings  off  his  buckler,  and  with  naked  breast 
Assaults  a  foe  who  carries  sword  and  shield. 
But  see,  thy  sister,  with  my  nephew,  comes. 

Enter 
IOILIA,  with  0.  NFMITOEITTS. 

Virtuous  Icilia !  my  dear  daughter's  pride ! 
How  much  I  owe  thy  counsel ! 

lea.  This  alone : 

That  it  has  follow'd  where  her  heaven-wrought  impulse, 
"Wiser  than  simple  reason,  led  the  way. 
But  thou  art  come,  her  sire,  belov'd  of  Borne 


152  VIRGINIA. 

• 

And  honor'd  ;  and  that  sadden'd  brow  shall  clear. 
Justice  no  more  shall  lend  her  snow-white  pall34 
To  hood  Oppression,  or  the  hand  of  Truth 
Shall  strip  it  off  the  borrower.     But,  poor  child ! 

[observing  Virginia,  w7io  stands  in  an  attitude  of 
sad  submission,  showing  the  resignation 
of  a  pious  but  dejected  mind. 
Her  heart  is  terror-shaken,  and  the  voice 
Of  Hope  is  answered  by  no  joyous  beat. 
Virg.  Cheer  thee,  my  daughter !  when  my  proofs  are  heard, 
Even  lust  and  tyranny  will  shame  to  answer, 
And  the  rous'd  Forum  thunder  with  our  triumph. 
Icil.  Or  if  that  tyrants  know  not,  as  I  deem, 

The  sense  of  shame,  its  temple-walls  shall  shake 
With  thunder  that  is  more  than  sound. 

Virg.  Thou  mean'st  ? 

[eagerly. 

Icil.  The  people  are  at  last  a\vake.     The  voice, 
That  dooms  to  slavery  the  free  of  Rome, 
Has  struck  on  their  drngg'd  senses ;  and  the  sun 
Now  going  down  will  pour  his  level  ray, 
Not  on  a  cringing  crowd,  and  in  their  midst, 
Bound  to  the  altar  of  a  tyrant's  lust, 
This  innocent  victim,  but  the  o'erthrown  tribunal, 
And  Rome's  last  tyrant  making  with  his  blood 
Atonement  for  her  violated  laws. 
Virg.  Thy  brows  are  knitted,  and  thy  bearded  lip 
Gather'd  within  its  fellow,  and  thine  eyes 
Burn  with  a  fire  too  steady  for  mere  rage ; 


ACT  IV.    SC.  1.  153 


And  Publius'  own  are  fulgent  with  new  hope.35 

It  must  be  so.     O  joy !     The  people  then  ? 

leil.  Champ  on  the  bit,  and  hardly  were  rein'd  in. 
Horatius  would  have  driven  them  on  at  once, 
And  ply'd  the  lash.    But 't  was  too  dread  a  risk. 
'T  is  on  the  trial,  when  the  blow  is  sure, 
Their  rage  shall  work. 

Virg*  Be  welcome  then  the  trial ! 
Rome  was  my  mother,  ere  thou  wast  my  child, 
Virginia. 

Va.  And  what  mother  has  thy  child 
But  Eome  ? 

Virg.  Do  ye  hear  this,  eternal  gods  ? 
Your  thrones  are  bas'd  on  everlasting  right : 
Ye  will  not  suffer  virtues  like  your  own 
To  be  the  sport  of  vice. 

Va.  [to  Icilim,  where  they  stand  ajxirt.]  Alas,  my  father ! 
He  sees  not,  were  my  virtues  truly  such, 
They  have  no  place  on  earth ! 

leil.  For  pity,  hush  ! 

Num.  'T  is  not  to  be  the  sport  of  vice,  when  vice, 
Outraging  virtue,  proves  but  Heaven's  touchstone 
To  assay  its  gold ;  nor  will  affliction,  brother, 
"Which  is  the  fire  to  purify  that  gold, 
Be  suffered  to  confound  it  with  the  dross. 
Va.  Except  to  achieve  some  mighty  good,  whose  weight 
Makes  the  pure  ore  rise  flimsy  as  the  dross. 
"What  is  Virginia,  that  Virginia's  wo, 
If  instrumental  to  the  general  joy, 

7* 
i 


154  VIRGINIA. 

Should  move  Heaven's  pity  ;  when  even  to  herself 
Its  bitterness  would  be  welcome  ? 

Virg.  O  my  child ! 

Thou  griev'st  and  gladd'st  me  equally.    The  gods 
"Will  not  desert  thee  ! 

Icil.  Nor  shall  man.     The  fire, 
Thy  wrongs  have  stirr'd,  Horatius'  eager  breath 
Will  not  permit  to  gather-o'er  its  ashes.  — 
Virg.  And  I  have  what  shall  fan  it  to  a  blaze. 

Caius,  thou  hast  been  long  o'erlook'd.    Thy  friend, 
The  brave  young  Quintus,  how  appears  he  now  ? 

[Icil.,  Virginia,  and  Numitorius,  but 

especially  the  former,  show  earnest 

attention  and  surprise. 

0.  Numit.  The  wound  proves  but  a  slight  one,  as  thou  saidst, 
Good  uncle. — 

Tea.  And  the  foolish  boy  so  proud 
To  have  gain'd  it,  and  in  such  a  cause,  I  doubt 
Its  speedy  scarring  will  much  please  him. 

Icil.  Wound  ? 
And  Quiutns  ?     What  is  this  ? 

Virg.  A  fan,  of  two, 

Kept  for  the  fire  we  speak  of.     Wait  their  blast. 
To  hear  it  now,  thy  rage  would  know  no  bounds. 
Gentle  Icilia,  and  thou,  boy,  be  close : 
Even  prudent  Numitorius  must  awhile 
Content  him  with  like  ignorance.  —    My  son, 
The  awful  moment  —  whatsoe'er  our  fate  — 
Must  be  at  hand.     'T  is  fit  we  part.     Go  thou, 


ACT  IV.    SC.  3.  155 


Mix  with  the  people,  and  their  wavering  mood 
Make  steady  with  thine  eloquence :  their  ire 
Must  take  from  thy  strong  passion  keener  edge. 
Most  kind  Icilia,  who  art  come,  I  feel, 
To  be  heside  thy  friend,  go  with  her, 
And  let  Lucilla  robe  her  in  the  garb 
In  which  she  mourn'd  her  mother.    I  myself 
Will  borrow  of  thee,  Publius,  some  mean  mantle, 
Whose  sordid  folds  accord  with  my  distress. 

Come,  we  must  soon  be  summon'd. 

+ 

Va.  Father !     \looTcing 
from  him,  and  stretching  her  arms  to  Icilius. 

Virg.  Yes ; 
Embrace,  my  children.     Thou  all-seeing  Jove, 

[spreading  his  hands  over  them,  as  Icil. 
clasps  Virginia  to  his  hreast. 
Whose  awful  eyes  look  down  with  love  and  pity 
On  this  most  innocent  pair,  0  let  their  woes 
Here  end  forever,  and  this  last  embrace 
Be  but  as  parting  on  a  gloomy  eve 
To  meet  a  cloudless  morrow  ! 

A  single  and  loud  dap  of  thunder  rolls  over  the  scent,  and 
shakes  the  walls. 

VIRGINIA  and  ICILITTS  part  instantly  —  all  present  listening 
with  horror  as  the  sound  dies  away. 

C.  Num.  [clasping  his  hands  in  terror.]  Merciful  Heaven ! 
'T  was  on  the  left ! 


156  VIRGINIA. 

Va.  [to  Icil.]  Thy  promise ! 

Icil.  It  is  vow'd. 

VIRGINIA  and  ICILIA  Exeunt  at  one  side,  while,  in  the  opposite 
direction,  ICILIUS,  muffling  his  head  in  his  mantle, 

Exit  hurriedly. 

VIRGINICS,  burying  his  face  in  his  hands,  remains  in  his  posi- 
tion, supported  by  NuMiroEirs,  while  CAIUS  seems  to 
cower  with  fear,  his  face  still  upraised  to  the 
roof,  and  his  hands  locked  together. 

The  Drop  falls. 


ACT  V.    SC.  1.  157 


ACT    THE    FIFTH 
Scene  I.     A  part  of  the  Forum. 
M.  CLAUDIUS,  going  up  to  LIVIA,  who  enters. 

Marc.  Thou  art  here. 

Liv.  But  is  Virginias  ?  —    Palter  not ! 

If  he  appear  not Thou  hast  heard  me. 

Marc.  True, 

And  need  no  echo.    Till  the  girl  appear, 
How  can  I  answer  thee  ?     Come  on. 

Liv.  No,  here 

I  wait  my  summons.    Is  thy  patron  come  ? 
Marc.  Behold !  [pointing  off  the  scene. 

Liv.  Even  now  ascending  ;  with  an  air 
As  if  earth  would  not  suffer  him  to  fall. 
Yet  he  may  down. 

Marc.  Perchance.     But,  being  up, 
'T  were  well  to  think  that  he  may  see  us  here 
From  his  high  place,  and  bid  me  drag  thee  thither. 
Liv.  That  thou  may'st  do  ;  but  canst  thou  make  me  speak  ? 
Nor  thou,  nor  thy  decemvir.     Here  I  stay. 
"When  the  sad  father  passes  with  his  child, 
I  follow.    If  he  fail,  thou  want'st  me  not. 

MAECUS,  regarding  her  steadily  a  moment,  Exit  —  when  LIVIA, 

who  has  returned  his  look,  draws  her  mantle  over  her  head, 

and  the  Scene  changes. 


158  VIRGINIA. 

SCENE  II. 

Another  part  of  the  Forum. 
A.  LTJCEETIUS  ;  T.  QUIXOTICS  ;  L.  VALERIUS. 

Vol.  Titus,  behold  !  our  Jove  is  on  his  throne  ! 
See  where  his  subject  mortals  group  around  — 
"With  looks  that  would  affright  more  vulgar  gods. 
Lucr.  Not  without  cause.     Why,  Lucius,  look  again ! 
Veil.  By  Hercules,  thou  art  right !     The  lictors'  rods 
Are  chang'd  for  spears !  their  heads  are  helm'd ;  and,  see ! 
"What  glitters  on  their  breasts  in  the  sun's  rays  ? 
Does  simple  wool  shine  thus  ?    What  say'st  thou  now, 
Thou  lukewarm  Titus  ?    Aims  yon  sceptred  hand 
To  grasp  the  kingly  diadem,  or  no  ? 
Amis  ;  for  he  shall  not  reach  it !   no !   his  arm, 
Or  mine,  shall  first  drop  nerveless. 

Quinc.  All  my  hopes 
Thou  knowest  are  with  thee.     Yet  I  still  must  doubt. 

His  friends  are  legion  ;  and  his  foes 

Vol.  A  host. 

Quinc.  Of [pointing  disdainfully  off  the  scene. 

Vol.  Men,  good  as  his  foes  :  at  least,  as  strong ; 
For  I  see  Aulus  little  likes  the  praise. 
Lucr.  My  tastes  are  in  abeyance  till  the  issue. 
I  doubt  your  commons  will  not  be  too  sage 
After  their  victory,  and  foresee  the  day 
Their  tribunes  will  usurp  a  power,  might  make 
Even  Appius  blush.    But,  for  the  nonce,  your  mob 


ACT  V.    SC,  3.  159 

Shall  have  their  way  —  unless  those  dozen  spears 
Cool  their  intent.  My  friends  are  posted :  Appius 
Will  cry  in  vain  for  succor. 

Veil.  Part  we  then. 
Keep  Quinctius.  [in  undertone.]    Liberty  !  [going  off. 

Lucr.  The  senate's  rights ! 

[Exit  with  Quinc.  in 

opposite  direction,  and  Scene  changes  to 


SCENE  III  AND  LAST. 
The  Forum,  as  in  Act  II,  Scenes  1  and  3. 

APPIUS,  on  the  tribunal,  holding  his  sceptre  of  office,  and  sur- 
rounded by  his  Lictors  armed.  Behind  the  tribunal  are 
seen  other  soldiers ;  an€  near  him,  hut  a  little  behind,  a 
Messenger  attending.  —  MARCUS  CLAUDIUS.  —  A  Her- 
ald or  Crier.  —  P.  NUMITORIUS  ;  C.  NUMITORIUS  ;  Q.  ICIL- 
rus  —  his  arm  in  a  sling.  —  Citizens. 

Enter 

VIEGINIUS,  in  an  old  and  soiled  toga,  leading  VIRGINIA,  in  a 
mourning-cloalc, h  her  head  muffled  with  the  same.  Be- 
side Va.  walks  ICILIUS,  and  behind  her  ICILIA  and  the 
Nurse;  a  train  of  Matrons,  weeping,  follow  immediately, 
and,  at  a  little  distance,  comes  also  LIVIA. 


160  VIRGINIA. 

App.  [starting.]  Virginias !  —    Traitor !  [to  Marcus,  in  an 

undertone, 
Virg.  And  to  thy  dismay. 

Hear,  Eornans  !  hear  what 

Num.  Patience,  yet  awhile. 
[Marcus,  at  this  moment,  gives  a  signal  to  Appius, 
ly  looking  quickly  and  significantly  at  Livia. 
Lose  not  what  little  chance  thou  mayst  have  left 
For  a  fair  trial. 

App.  Trial  thou  shalt  have  — 
Though  the  tribunal  might  be  spar'd  it,  sure 
Beforehand  the  defence  is  futile  all, 
Or  mere  imposture.  [Murmur  in  the  People  —  while  Nu- 
mitorius  is  seen  restraining  Icilius. 
Silence  there,  ye  frogs ! 
If  ye  'Id  not  have  ine  fling  a  stone  among  ye, 
Or  drain  your  filthy  pool,  since  undisturb'd 
Ye  croak  thus !     Herald,  rise.     And  let  the  Assertor 
Bring  on  his  proofs. 

Num.  [indicating  to  Icil.  and  Virg.,  while  the  Herald  steps 
out,  the  evident  and  dbep  resentment  of  the  people. 

The  pool  heaves  like  a  sea. 
More  of  this  insolence,  and  we  are  safe. 
Herald.  Silence !  [Marcus  leads  up  Lima. 

Marc.  Behold  the  mother  of , the  slave. 
Icil.  Let  her  unhood.     And  thou,  Virginius,  mark ! 
Virg.  Li\  ia !  —    Slave  ?  the  mother  free  ?    [to  the  people, 
with  an  expression  of  scorn  and  indignation. 

App.  Be  still ! 
Else  here  are  those  shall  make  thee.    And,  observe  — 


ACT  V.    SC.  3.  1C1 

When  't  is  thy  time  to  speak,  to  us,  thy  judge, 
Turn  that  bold  visage.     "Woman,  now  proceed. 

Enter  HOEATIUS, 

behind  the  crowd,  and,  mixing  with  the  people, 
is  seen  earnestly  exhorting  them. 

Lit).  A  plain  tale,  great  decemvir.     I  was  slave 
To  Claudius,  when  Virginias,  here  in  presence, 
Had  knowledge  of  me.    Witness  that,  his  child, 
Born  of  our  commerce,  on  his  dame  impos'd 

For  her  dead  babe,  to  save  his  blood  from  thraldom. 

f 
This  let  Virginias,  if  he  dare,  gainsay. 

His  love  for  me  is  known. 

Virg.  And  they  who  know  it 
Know  that  I  freed  this  woman,  for  that  love. 
She  was  my  captive,  brought  from  taken  Antium. 
I  lov'd  her  honestly ;  ('t  was  ere  I  had  met 
Thy  sister,  Publius.)    But,  being  taught  in  time 
Her  falsehood  with  yon  Claudius,  plaintiff  here, 
I  flung  her  off,  as  I  would  fling  a  viper,  [Livia  draws  her 
mantle  again  over  her  face. 
Never  having  known  her  in  the  way  she  says.37 
I  swear  it  by  yon  Heaven,  which  now  let  down 
Its  thunder  on  my  sacrilegious  head, 
If  I  swear  falsely  ! 

App.  Yonder  heaven  is  clear. 
The  cloud  is  spent,  whose  solitary  clap 
Late  shook  the  Capitol,  nor  has  Jove  bolts 
To  waste  on  such  as  thou.     Vouch  more  profanely. 
Nor  canst  thou  be  a  witness  for  thyself. 


162  VIRGINIA. 

Icil.  [advancing.]  But  I  can,  for  him.  [Horatius  comes  forward. 

Virg.  And  Virginius'  honor, 
Like  that  of  all  true  Eomans,  is  most  fit 
To  swear  by,  since  thou  settest  nought  by  Jove. 
App.  Thine  honor,  and  his  evidence,  [indicating,  &y  a  con- 
temptuous and  slight  toss  of  the  Jiead,  Icil.']  alike 
Weigh  nothing  here,  where  each  has  puissant  cause 
To  falsify. 
Numit.  [adjuring  Icil.  and  Virg.  and  putting  himself  in  their 

way.]  Yet,  for  Virginia's  sake ! 
Hor.  [restraining  Icil.  and  Virg.  ~by  motion  of  the  hand. 

But  I 

Have  none.  T,  for  Virgiuius'  honor,  pledge 
My  own ;  and  what  Icilius  may  not  vouch, 
That  shall  Horatius.  [Murmurs  of  satisfaction  in  the 

crowd.]    Yonder  wretched  woman 
Is  either  slave  or  free.    A  slave,  she  has 
No  right  to  give  her  testimony,  save 
By  torture;  free,  she  is  perjur'd,  and  the  suit 
Falls  to  the  ground,  and  her  vile  life  is  forfeit. 

[Murmurs  increase. 

But  even  if  not,  and  could  it  he  the  child 
Of  a  free  woman  should  be  born  a  slave, 
Still  is  the  witness  worthless,  for  that  I, 
Marcus  Horatio  s,  know  her  lewd  of  life. 
This  vouch  I  by  mine  honor,  and  in  face 
Of  the  high  gods !  [Burst  of  applause. 

App.  What !  dare  ye  clamor,  curs  ? 
Who  is  Horatius,  that  his  simple  word 
Should  make  ye  yelp  thus,  more  than  his,  or  hers  ? 


ACT  V.    SC.  3.  163 

HOT.  Thine  equal,  Appius !  in  all  points  but  one, 
And  in  that  one  thy  better ;  nor  dar'st  thou,   ~~* 
Spite  the  high  place  thou  boldest  over  long, 
Make  me  the  mate  of  such  things.    I  have  given 
My  evidence.     Impeach  it,  if  thou  canst ; 
If  thou  lik'st,  swear  me. 

2d  Cit.  Ay,  and  let  them  swear ! 
He  has  not  sworn,  nor  she. 

Hor.  Nor  has  the  judge. 
'T  is  proper  on  all  sides. 

1st  Cit.  But  make  them  swear. 
Give  them  a  stone. 

Lit/.  I  am  ready.    [As  she  takes  the  stone 

offered  T)y  Marcus,  Appius  whispers 

the  Messenger,  who  disappears.] 

If,  from  guile 
I  tear  false  witness,  may  the  day's  dread  sire, 

Even  as  this  stone  I  cast  away,  so  me 

Icil.  [to  the  people.]  Let  her  not  proceed!    Had  she  the  right, 
As  she  has  none,  being  woman,  slave,  and  vile, 
Let  her  not  swear !     Who  could  not  do  as  much  ? 
They  who  dare  lie  in  Heaven's  face,  what  risk  they, 
Calling  high  Jove  to  witness  to  their  truth  ? 
Nor  swear  that  valiant  Eoman  and  true  man,- 
Horatius.     Such  need  no  attest.     Time  was, 
That  honor  was  to  Eoman  freeman  what 
Hell's  awful  flood  is  to  the  gods,  of  oaths 
The  dreadest,  and  their  sworn  or  simple  word 
"Was  better  than  the  bonds  of  other  men, 


164  VIRGINIA. 

But  now  [facing  App.],  since  tyranny  Las  set  its  yoke 

On  our  curv'd  necks  like  cattle 

App.  Hast  thou  done  ? 

Icil.  Thou  Lear'st.    — "We  croucli  like  them,  and  tremble ; 
More  bestial  still  than  cattle,  that  we  have  tongues 
Which  fawn,  and  cringe,  and  skulk ;  and,  honor  now 
But  little  known,  man  trusts  man's  word  no  more,38 
But  calls  the  Unseen,  whose  vengeance  is  remote. 
Thus  they,  who  outrage  Heaven  by  daily  crime, 
Swear  sooner  than  good  men,  having  less  to  lose. 
Witness  yon  tool  of  your  decemvir.     Him, 
Give  Mm  the  Jove-stone  ?     Cast-away  of  Jove, 
What  recks  he  of  a  second  hurling,  so 
His  carcass  'scape  the  throw  decreed  them  here 

Who  mock  thus  gods  and  men  ;  for  'scape  it  will 

People.  N"o! 

Icil.  Yes ;  for  who  made  the  laws  sits  there,  and  breaks 

them 
Openly  in  your  faces.     I  have  done,  [to  Appius. 

Enter  LUCEETIUS  —  slowly, 
(keeping  apart.) 

App.  Insolent  rebel !     It  is  such  as  thou, 

Who  mock  both  gods  and  men,  affecting  justice, 
And  making  even  religion  but  a  stool 
To  mount  to  station ;  it  is  such  as  thou, 
Who  turn  yon  rabblement  to  coward  cattle, 
Making  them  crouch  and  lick  the  treacherous  hand 
That  smooths  their  coarse  necks  but  to  yoke  them. 
Tremble  ? 


ACT  V.    SC.  3.  165 

"Was  it  an  Appius  in  the  Volscian  war  * 

That  made  them  tremble,  when  the  villains  fled, 
Leaving  my  valiant  sire  ?  whose  soul,  thank  Heaven, 
I  bear  as  well  as  name ! 

[The people  are  seen  in  violent  commotion,  HOKATITTS  among 
them  gesticulating  in  an  animated  manner,  yet 

as  if  secretly. 
LUCRETIUS,  a  little  removed,  looks  on. 

Icil.  Even  so.  —    Quirites ! 
Children  of  Eomulus !     Ye  have  not  forgotten 
'T  was  Appius,  this  man's  sire,  whose  soul  he  boasts, 
That  scourg'd  and  gave  to  the  axe  your  bravest  soldiers, 
Pick'd  men,  and  the  centurions,  basti nading 
So  cruelly  every  tenth  man  of  the  rest, 
That  hundreds  died,  whence,  after,  the  rous'd  troops 
Eefus'd  to  fight,  so  that  their  enemies  jeer'd  them ; 
Whereas  writh  Quinctius,  Appius'  kindly  colleague, 
So  ready  were  they  then,  these  recreant  legions, 
The  .JSqui  durst  not  even  march  by  the  camp ! 

[The  commotion  has  increased, 

and  now,  with  one  wice. 

People.  'T  is  true! 

Icil.  "Why  do  ye  stand  then?     Come!    [moving  towards 

the  tribunal,  while  the  people  rush  forward,  led  l>y 

Horatius  —  Lucretius  taking  no  part.    Appius 

makes  a  sign  to  the  lictors,  and  they  advance 

with  ported  spears,  when  the  people  halt.. 

App.  Because  I  bid  them. 


106  VIRGINIA. 

Assertor Thee  [to  Icil.],  and  thy  true  Roman  there, 

[indicating  Horat.  with  like  significance. 

Presently.  —    Assertor,  take  thy  slave. 

Va.  [while  the  people,  still  led  by  Horat.  rush  boldly  between 

her  and  the  Lictors,  —  Lucretius  now  moving,  but 

slowly,  with  them.     The  Matrons  press  still 

closer  to  Virginia,  and  hem  her  round. 

Now,  Lucius! 

Icil.  All  is  not  hopeless  yet.     See !  [indicating  the  people. 
Lucr.  [advancing  before  the  people.]  Appius,  stay  ! 
Albeit  cattle,  the  drove  is  over  strong, 
Even  for  thy  spears. 
App.  [furiously.]  Make  way  there !     Dastards! 

[to  Lictors. 
Hor.  On! 
On! 
App.  Do  your  duty !  [Lictors  attempt  to  charge. 

Lucr.  Halt  there !  we  have  horns. 
[pointing  quietly  to  the  crowd,  several  of  whom 
have  put  their  hands  to  their  tunics. 
Appius,  be  wiser.     Credit  me,  even  now 
The  shears  close  on  thy  life's  thread. 

App.  Rather  thine, 
Thou  recreant  noble.    People !  men  of  Rome  ! 

I  thirst  not  for  your  blood 

2d  Git.  Why  then  those  spears? 
App.  Because  of  treason,  plots  r.gainst  the  State, 
"Whose  head  am  I  —  plots  of  Icilius.    Wherefore 
Wear  ye  else  hidden  arms  ? 3  8 

Icil.  Because  of  treason, 


ACT  V.   SC.  3.  167 

Treason  against  the  State,  whose  head  thou  art  not, 

Except  by  usurpation.     Such  the  law 

Of  great  Valerius  makes  deserving  death.39 

{Turning  rapidly  to  the  people.]  Brothers!  children  of 

Brutus  !  what  avails  it 
Our  fathers  drove  out  kings  ?    And  for  what  crime? 

There  sits  your  Tarquin 

App.  But  thou  stand'st  not  Brutus.4  ° 
Lictors!     Seize,  slay  Icilius  ! 

Fa.  Me !  rather  me  ! 
Save  him,  Romans ! 

Liter,  [stepping  between  Icil.  and  the  Lictors, 
while  Virg.  holds  ~back  his  daughter, 
pressing  her  to  his  breast. 
Appius,  art  thou  mad  ? 
*      'T  is  the  last  time  I  move  to  shield  thee. 

App.  Thou ! 

Stand  from  the  way :  I  would  not  shed  thy  blood. 
People  of  Rome!  resistance  is  in  vain. 
The  majesty  of  justice  shall  not  bow, 
Save  o'er  my  fallen  body.     Look  behind  me, 

[The people,  already  not  over  ardent, 

are  seen  to  falter,  despite  the 

efforts  of  Horatius. 

"Where  stand  twelve  armed  men  to  back  these  twelve ; 
•     And  Oppius  hears  my  summons  for  twenty  more. 
Hor.  Thou  wilt  not  get  them. 
App.  [looking  around  in  alarm.]  How  now ! 

Lucr.  It  is  sure. 
Thou  art  beset  on  all  sides,  or.  cut  off 


168  VIEGINIA. 

From  other  aid  than  these.     Give  justice  way, 
Thou'rt  safe  —  at  least  from  violence. 

App.  Who  but  ye 

Are  her  impediments  ?    The  sire  was  heard  — 
Prov'd  nothing ;  sentence  was  decreed.    If  still 
Eespondent  have  aught  left  to  urge,  we  hear  him. 
But,  the  next  outrage !  —    Speak. 

Virg.  And  all  give  ear. 

I  have  two  arrows  left.     Though  the  first  miss, 
The  next  shall  hit  the  mark.    And  thou,  beware! 

[to  App. 

App.  Bend  thy  bow  quickly,  or  I  break  the  shaft. 
Virg.  [turning  Va.  to  face  the  people,  uncovers  Tier  features. 
Daughter,  unveil.  [Pauses. —    A    general   burst 

of  pity  and  admiration.     The  Matrons 

,     7     ,  t 

sob  aloud. 

1st  Matron.  O  shame  to  Koman  manhood ! 
"Will  no  arm  strike  for  her  ? 

Virg.  I,  I  myself, 

With  these  hands  took  her  up,  this  virgin,  this 
Still  tender  girl,  and  plac'd  her  in  my  bosom. 
Her  feeble  cry,  the  soft  clasp  of  her  fingers, 
Whose  little  fold  just  met  around  my  thumb, 
Are  present  to  my  soul  as  fresh  as  then. 
O  Romans  —  fathers !     0  mothers  !  (  she  alas ! 
Has  none  —  none  now !  )  say,  are  these  feelings  proper 
To  me  alone  ?  or  speak  I  what  all  know, 
Have  felt  as  I? 


People.   >A1] 
Matrons.  $  A11< 


ACT  V.    SC.  3.  1 69 

Virg.  Could  I  feign  these  feelings  ? 

Or  does  my  language  witness 

Marc,  [interrupting  him.]  N"o  one  doubts 
The  emotion,  nor  the  truth  of  him  who  vaunts  it. 
But  I  say,  Romans  —  and  I  too  dare  address  ye 
As  fathers  —  and  ye  mothers  too,  and  wives  — 
These  feelings  are  delusive  ;  for  the  true 
Virginia  expir'd,  ere  almost  she  had  cry'd, 
And  this,  the  false,  Virginius  never  took 
Up  to  his  bosom  —  never  to  avow  her, 
Though  he  have  clasp'd  her  there  a  thousand  times, 
And  fancied  't  was  the  babe  he  had  so  rais'd. 
Num.  [eagerly.]  Virginius  then  had  no  part  in  the  cheat ! 

Marcus  and  Livia  contradict  each  other ! 
App.  But  little  ;  for  the  main  points  are  the  same.41 
Virg.  [looking  round  upon  the  crowd  and  seeing  the  impres- 
sion made  by  Marcus. 

That  shaft  has  miss'd.    And  yet  I  deem'd  the  point 
Had  pierc'd  the  heart  of  every  Roman,  at  least 
Of  every  Roman  mother  through  and  through, 
As  if  they  were  but  one,  I  shot  so  straight. 
Covering  her  features  again,  he  consigns  VA.  to  ICILIA,  who 
supports  her  as  before,  and  the  Matrons 

instantly  close  round  them. 
1st  Matr.  There  are  no  Romans  ;  our  degenerate  bowels 

Give  birth  to  monsters,  as  Icilius  said. 
Icil.  Better  be  barren,  or  in  tbe  unshapen  germ 
"Wither  your  bodies'  fruit,  than  suffer  travail, 
And  give  your  paps  to  daughters,  whose  fresh  bloom 
Shall  deck  the  slave-mart ! 


170  VIRGINIA. 


1st  Hatr.  Better  wither  all ! 

[And  ike  other  women  take  up 
tlie  cry,  — '•  Wither  all !" 
App.  [to  Virg.]  Let  fly  thy  other  shaft. 

Virg.  'T  is  at  thy  heart. 
Come  forward,  boys,  [to  Caius  and  Quint. 

These  youths  were  present,  Romans, 
"When  Appius'  slave  show'd  tables  from  his  master 
Bidding  his  colleague  keep  me  at  the  camp 
For  two  days.    [  APPIUS  half-rises.'}  Mark  your  ruler ! 

But  I  then 
"Was  on  my  way.     Nor  is  this  all.     Three  villains, 

Hired  to  slay  me,  set  on  us  near  Rome 

Hor.  Of  the  same  sort  that  took  charge  of  Sicinius 

[  Commotion, 

Virg.  And  would  have  earn'd  their  pay,  but  for  our  steeds, 
We  being  unarm'd ;  and  Quintus  [pointing  to  latter '« 
arm.]  barely  'scap'd. 

[App.,  turning  quickly,  speaks  to 
the  soldiers  behind  him. 
Icil.  [who  has  listened  with  fiery  impatience. 

Is  this  enough  ?     Now,  sons  of  Brutus,  strike ! 

[rushes  forward,  with  his  poniard  drawn  — 
Horat.  and  Lucret.,  on  either  side 
of  him,  in  same  manner. 
2d  Cit.  Down  with  the  murderer ! 

1st  Cit.  For  our  freedom,  strike  ! 
App.  [pointing  to  Icil.  as  the  latter  turns  about  to  encourage 

the  people. 
Thrust,  soldiers,  there ! 


ACT.  V.    SO.  3.  171 


Lucr.  [putting  aside  a  spear  leveled  at  Icil. 

Stain  to  thy  order,  Appius  I 
Lucretius  fights  now  on  the  people's  side. 
Hor.  [same  act.]  I  told  thee  so,  Aulus.  —    [Turning  fiercely  on 
the  people^  who  give  way  before  the  soldiers. 
Traitors !  what  means  this  ? 
App.  Death  to  thy  hopes,  Horatius.     Soldiers,  halt! 

People ! 

Icil.  0  Rome  !  O  Rome  ! 

1st  Cit.  Icilius  weeps ! 
Icil.  [indignantly  uncovering  his  face,  which  he  had  muffled. 

42  Weeps  ?  for  ye  will  not  let  him  shed  but  tears, 
Even  for  liberty. 

1st  Cit.  Yet  Appius  should  be  heard. 

2d  Cit.  Perhaps  so.     But  Virginias'  tale 

App.  Is  such  — 

43  A  fiction.     Appius  stoops  not  to  say  more. 
lea.  [hastily.]  If 't  be  a  fiction,  O  how  like  the  truth ! 

Citizens,  I  myself  have  known,  have  seen, 

The  importunities  your  decemvir  offer'd, 

Even  in  the  common  streets  —  worse  still,  the  gifts 

Sent  to  this  maiden,  to  this  Roman  girl  — 

Plebeian  chastity  being  a  thing  to  barter, 

Unlike  Lucretia's.  — 

1st  Matr.  Hear  her ! 

App,  Peace,  ye  trash  ! 
[Icil.  is  seen  to  repress  a  violent  emotion, 
lea.  It  is  most  strange,  till  Appius'  lures  had  fail'd, 
His  client's  pretext  never  was  put  forth ! 


172  VIRGINIA. 

App.  "Woman,  who  art  thou  ?    But  I  need  not  ask. 
Thou  art  the  sister  of  the  would-be  tribune. 
Thy  tongue,  like  his,  has  motive  to  be  false. 
Icil.  [passionately  to  the  people. 
Must  we  bear  this  ? 

App.  Much  more,  if 't  be  too  light. 
Lictors,  make  room :  strike  none  but  who  oppose. 
Once  more,  Assertor,  take,  as  right,  thy  slave. 

Tlie  People  still  stand  between  the  advancing  Lictors  and  the 
party  that  surrounds  VIRGINIA,  but  give  way,  though 
slowly,  sullenly,  reluctantly,  step  by  step,  except  the  Ma- 
trons, who  boldly  oppose  themselves  to  the  armed  men.,  and 
still  hem  her  round.  ICILIUS  is  seen  approaching  the  group, 
his  hand  before  his  face.  The  Lictors,  hesitating  to  stop 
him,  look  round  to  Appius/or  directions.  LUCRETIUS  and 
HORATIUS,  with  their  eyes  on  the  Lictors,  stand  ready  to 
sustain  ICILIUS. 

Fa.  Lucius !    Now !  now ! 

Icil.  I  come,  Virginia. 

Virg.  [to  Icil.]  Stay. 

Talcing  VIRGINIA  by  the  hand,  he  leads  her  by  MARCUS  (who, 

looTcing  at  ICIL.,  hesitates  to  oppose),  toioards  the  tribunal, 

followed  by  the  NURSE,  and  supported  by  ICILIA. 

[to  Marc.]  Thy  hand  withhold  a  moment.  —    Appius,  pardon 
The  outbreaks  of  a  father's  grief;  and  suffer, 
Before  I  part  forever  from  my  child, 
I  question  her  apart,  her  nurse,  and  friend, 


ACT  V.    SC.  3.  173 

And  put  at  rest  niy  doubts. 

App.  We  grant  thy  prayer. 
But  be  not  long ;  the  day  draws  to  a  close. 

The  light  here  suddenly  falling,  as  at  the  going-down  of  the 

sun,  the  stage  becomes  gloomy. 

ViBGEftus  etc.  taTce  their  way  to  the  shops,  followed  closely 

by  ICILIUS,  who  is  beckoned  on  ~by  VIRGINIA. 

VIRGINIUS  snatches  a  Tcnifefrom  one 

of  the  open  windoics. 

Virg.  [stalling  her.]  My  child,  return  unto  thy  mother. 

[Resigning  her  to  the  arms  of  lea.  and  Nurse, 
while  Icil.  hangs  over  her,  and  bran- 
dishing the  knife. 
Appius ! 

To  the  Hell-gods,  with  this  blood,  I  devote  thee  ! 
Marc.  He  has  kill'd  his  daughter !  [Burstofhorrorfrom  the 
People,  while  Appius  rises  upright 
from  his  chair. 
App.  Seize  on  the  murderer  ! 
Virg.  [rushing  to  the  people  with  the  Tcnife  held  up. 

Komans !     I  have  us'd  a  father's  right,  the  law 
And  nature  gave  ;  sole  refuge  from  pollution. 
Hor.  'T  is  just.   Down  with  the  lictors ! 

[striding  down  tJie  foremost. 
2d  Cit.  Death  to  the  Tarquin ! 
[wresting  Ms  spear  from  the  next. 
1st  Cit.  [almost  at  same  moment.] 

Throw  Marcus  and  the  woman  from  the  rock  1 


1 74  VIRGINIA. 

The  Lictors  and  Soldiers,  beaten  down,  staged,  or  their  arms 
wrested  from  them,  fly,  MAKCUS  and  LIVIA  with  them  — 

some  of  the  People  pursuing. 

APPIUS,  descending  from  the  tribunal,  towards  which  the  rest 

are  rushing,  endeavors  to  escape.     Throwing  down  the 

scaffold  with  its  chair,  they  spring  upon  him, 

VIBGIXIUS  (the  Tcnife  still  raised)  with  them, 

followed  by  CAIUS  and  QUINTUS. 

NUMITOKIUS  and  the  Matrons  gather  around  VIRGINIA,  who  is 

"brought  to  the  forepart  of  the  Scene,  —  the  tumult 

and  cries,  and  struggle  against  Appius,  all 

the  while  continuing. 

2d  Cit.  Down  with  the  tribunal ! 

Hor.  Leave  to  me ! 

Lucr.  To  me, 
The  tyrant ! 

IOILIUS,  pressing  VIEGINIA  a  moment  in  Ms  arms,  springs  after 
them,  beating  back  the  crowd  to  get  at  APPIUS,  who,  strik- 
ing down  the  foremost  of  his  assailants  with  his  scep- 
tre, flings  it  away,  and  draws  his  poniard. 

Ml.  No!—    Back!  back! 

App.  To  none ! 

[stabs  himself. 

Appius  dies  worthy  of  himself  and  name  — 
And,  dying,  sends  thee  that,  accursed  dog ! 

Hurling  the  poniard  at  ICILIUS,  whom  it  misses,  APPIUS, 
muffling  his  head  in  his  mantle,  falls  and  expires. 


ACT  V.    SC.  3.  175 


Icil.  [dropping  his  own  poniard.] 

'T  is  better  thus.    [He  returns,  to  hang  over  Virginia. 
Voice  of  Sp.  Opvius  )  Tr     i   n  i 

2&Aw5r    \  e  sLa11  have  comPany- 

Enter 
VALERIUS  and  QUINCTIUS. 

Vol.  We  have  heard. To  escape  the  people,  Spurius 

Oppius 
Has  slain  himself. 

Exeunt, 

slowly,  and  separately,  in  different  directions,  all  the 

Citizens,  save  IST  and  2o  CIT.,  who  s'>uid  T>y  the 

body  o/'Appius,  but  looking  on  the 

•party  of  VIKGINIUS. 

Va.  [opening  her  eyes.}  Is  't  thou,  Icilia  ?  Kind ! 
Where  is  my  father  ?  Did  I  dream  the  joy  ? 
Or  is  Kome  —  liberated? 

Virg.  'T  is  at  last,  my  —  child  : 
But  at  what  cost ! 

Va.  I  knew  it.     I  am  content. 
Yet,  is  it  —  painful.     Lucius  —  my  beloved  — 
Receive  —  my  last  breath.    Father,  I  —  die  —  pure.44 
Virg.  Thou  diest  a  Roman  ;  and  thou  diest  free. 

VIRGINIA,  putting  up  her  lips  to  ICILIUS,  her  arms 
extended  to  him,  expires. 


1 76  VIRGINIA. 

ICILIUS,  having  received  her  last  breath,  withdrawing  his  lips, 
resigns  her  to  his  sister,  lifts  his  face  a  moment  upwards 
towards  Heaven,  then  muffles  his  head  with  his  mantle. 
VIKGINIUS,  turning  aside  his  face,  covers  it  with  his  hand. 
The  NURSE  is  lying,  gathered  in  a  heap,  at  the  dead  girl's 
feet,  with  her  face  to  the  ground,  wrapped  in  the 

skirt  <?/ VIRGINIA'S  garment. 

HOBATITTS,  LUCRETIUS,  and  the  rest,  stand  in  various  attitudes 
of  grief  and  awe,  the  MATRONS  sobbing,  but  low,  be- 
hind, while  faintly,  from  within  the  scene,  is 
heard,  as  far  in  the  distance,  the 
cry  of"  Liberty!" 
and  the 


Curtain  falls. 


.NOTES 


NOTES    TO    VIRGINIA 


1. — P.  86.  The  shadow  of  thy  wings,  three  times  this  hour — ]  This 
is  the  stage-reading.  I  have  a  memorandum,  that  in  print  it  would  be 
better  to  substitute  the  less  pointed  "  day"  ;  for  the  Romans,  at  this 
early  period,  did  not  divide  the  day  by  hours.  —  But  "  hour  "  must 
pass  even  here ;  since  there  is  no  other  way  to  express  the  brief  time  of 
the  conference,  to  which  alone  Appius  refers. 

2.— P.  86.  The  people  laid  him  out  /]  For  the  Stage  (as  the  language 
cannot  be  too  perspicuous  for  an  audience,  who  have  not  the  time  to 
pause  upon  a  phrase),  there  may  be  substituted :  "  The  people  buried 
him !  "  or  "A  pauper's  burial ! " 

So,  in  the  passage  above, — If  thou  go  down,  my  head,  Be  sure,  rests 
not  unmuffled, — though  Shakspeare's  mention  of  Caesar's  action,  when 
about  to  expire,  has  made  the  custom  alluded-to  sufficiently  familiar  to 
a  mixed  audience,  yet,  if  deemed  more  directly  explicit,  the  actor  may 
recite  as  follows : 

"  "When  Appius  veils  his  head, 
Be  sure  my  mantle  hangs  not  from  the  shoulder. 
"We  fall  together. 

App.  Now,  no  more.  —   One  thing,"  clc.  (as  in  the  text.) 


180  NOTES   TO 


3. — P.  87.  Thou,  miffht'st  thank  Cornelius  then,  When  Lucius  from 
the  senate-porch  made  cry  Unto  the  people,  his  arms  about  thee  cast 

Sav'd  thee  from  violence ]     "  Turn  Appius ad  Yalerium,  nega- 

tum  se  private  reticere,  lictorem  accedere  jussit.  Jam  Quiritium  fidem 
implorante  Valerio  a  curia;  limine,  L.  Cornelius  [M.  Cornelii  decemviri 
frater]  complexus  Appiuin,  non  cui  simulabat  consulendo,  diremit  certa- 
men.  Liv.  III.  c.  37.  p.  186  ed.  Twiss  (ex  recens.  Drakenborch.)  Oxon. 
in  8°.  1840. 

4. — P.  89.  While  thou  shaft  help  me  to  dispose  my  mantle  — ]  The 
Roman  toga,  which  resembled  greatly  the  Spanish  capa,  and  in  this 
form,  though  of  smaller  dimension,  is  still  seen  on  the  Italian  priests  in 
Rome,  required,  as  does  the  capa,  some  care  in  the  disposition  of  its 
folds.  What  pains  were  taken  by  the  orators  may  be  imagined  without 
the  story  of  Hortensius  and  the  minute  directions  of  Quintilian.  Appius 
is  not  finical,  even  for  that  early  day  of  the  Commonwealth. 

The  object,  however,  for  which  I  mark  this  passage,  is  to  call  the 
attention  of  the  Actor  to  a  point  that  is  habitually  neglected  on  the 
Stage.  The  toga  was  an  out-door  habit.  To  make  the  Roman  wear  it 
in  the  house,  as  a  house-dress,  is  almost  as  much  out  of  costume  as  it 
would  be  in  a  comedy  to  dress  the  characters  in-doors  in  Spanish  man- 
tles, or,  indeed,  in  any  sort  of  cloak.  It  is  not  worse,  it  is  true,  than 
Richard's  crown  and  furred  robe  in  Bosworth-field ;  but  such  absurdi- 
ties should  be  avoided  by  any  player  studious  of  propriety,  without 
which,  effect  is  but  unnatural,  and  illusion  is  impossible. 

As  to  the  precise  cut  of  the  Roman  mantle,  there  is,  it  may  be  said, 
no  positive  indication.  We  have  it  represented,  and  the  description 
supported  by  authorities,  as  round,  as  semi-circular,  and  even  as  square, 
that  is,  rectangular  or  having  straight  Hues  on  all  its  sides,  while  some 
do  not  hesitate  to  maintain  that  it  was  stitched  together  from  top  to 
bottom.*  It  may  safely  be  supposed,  that  while  the  mode  of  wearing 


*  Ferrarius,  in  making  it  to  be  round  and  closed  (De  Re  Vestiaria,  lib.  i.  c. 
L  p.  619  in  Orievii  Thesaur.  vol.  vi.— Tenet,  in  fol.  1732),  would  give  us  the 


VIRGINIA  181 

it  was  almost  always  the  same,  so  far  at  least  as  the  bringing  of  the 
right  side  over  the  left  shoulder,  which  was  partly  a  necessity  arising 
from  its  length  and  amplitude,  the  cut  differed  according  to  the  means, 
if  not  the  occasions  of  the  wearer.  Do  we  not  see  Spaniards  who  wear 
the  common  French  and  English  cloak  like  their  national  capa  f  Yet 
these  are  square  in  all  their  edges ;  while  the  capa,  to  which  I  have 
compared  the  ancient  Roman  mantle,  is,  when  amplest,  a  perfect  cir- 
cle ;  the  two  front  edges  being  laid  together,  the  centre  is  the  hole 
formed  by  the  collar.  Take  away  the  cape  and  collar,  and  you  have  a 
toga.  But  when  the  capa  is  less  full  (and  this  is  almost  always  the 
case),  it  makes,  spread  out,  a  semicircle.  Without  this  circular  sweep 
of  the  bottom  edge,  it  could  not  form  those  graceful  or  those  majestic 
folds  which,  when  the  right  side  is  thrown  over  the  left  shoulder,  make 
this  mantle  conspicuous  among  the  few  that  still  survive  the  ugly  fash- 
ions which  the  quick  movements  of  a  busier  modern  life  have  intro- 
duced. But  for  the  authorities.  Among  the  ancients,  Quintilian  says 
distinctly  that  the  toga  was  round :  "  Ipsam  togam  rotundam  esse,  et 
apte  cffisam  velim.  Aliter  enim  multis  modis  fiet  enormis."  Orat.  Inst. 
XI.  3.,  Colon,  in  12°  1528,  p.  517.  Dionysius  of  Halicarnassus,  that  it 


Mexican  poncho  (as  I  have  heard  it  called),  which  is  a  circular  cloak  without 
opening  save  in  the  centre,  to  admit  the  head  and  ueck.  As  to  his  citation 
from  Gcllius  (lib-  vii.),  that  in  the  earliest  times  the  Romans  wore  nothing 
whatever  on  their  person  but  the  toga,  it  would  not  follow  that  if  then  it  was, 
for  obvious  reasons,  closed  in  front,  it  should  continue  to  be  so  when  worn  over 
another  garment,  and  judging  by  the  modern  use  of  a  cloak  we  might  say  just 
the  contrary.  The  same  necessity,  for  closing  in  the  first  case,  would  exist  for 
leaving  it  open  in  the  latter. 

Aldus  Manutius  (De  Toga  Romanor.,  ap.  Grsevium  ubi.  cit.  p.  1192,)  main- 
tains the  same  strange  opinion,  using  the  same  baseless  argument  derived  from 
the  custom  of  a  semi-barbarous  antiquity.  All  the  statues,  so  far  as  I  Jjnow, 
that  represent  the  outer  garment  sewed  up  to  the  breast  or  neck,  indicate  the 
Ixna,  orpxnula,  traveling  and  foul- weather  cloaks.  See  note  25. 


182  NOTES   TO 

was  semicircular.*  He  tells  us  that  when  the  Etruscan  ambassadors 
accepted  the  conditions  of  L.  Tarquinius,  that  is,  of  complete  surrender, 
they  brought  to  him,  a  few  days  after,  the  symbols  of  sovereignty  with 
which  they  adorned  their  own  kings,  and  among  them  the  purple  tunic 
wrought  with  gold  (xirwva.  re  TropQvpovv  xptxroo-ij/xov)  and  the  variega- 
ted purple  cloak  or  robe  (/ecu  Trfpt&o\a.iov  irop<pvpovt>  iroi/ciAoj/), 
such  as  the  kings  of  the  Lydians  and  Persians  wore,  except  that  it  was 
not  square  inform  like  that,  but  half-circular  :  irKjjv  ov  T«T pay  uvo  v 
•ye  -rtf  <r  x  TJ  ^t  a  T  t ,  Kc&airep  (Kfiva  rjv,  a\\'  y fniKVK\io>> .  And 
he  adds  immediately :  TO  Se  rouuna  rcav  a/x^iao-juaTajj/  'Pcauaiot  fifi/ 
royas, 'E\\r)vts  tie  rrjPevvov  Ka\ovcrw.  {Antiq.  III.  61. — p.  187, 
t.  i.  ed.  Hudson.  Oxon.  in  fol.  1704.)  t  Among  modern  writers,  Sigonius, 


*  Winkelmann,  who  maintains  that  the  form  of  the  toga  was  round  ("  zir- 
kelrund  geschnitten,")  committed  the  strange  oversight  to  find  in  the  passage 
of  Dionysius,  presently  cited,  the  adjustment  or  envelopment  ( Umnthmen'), 
otherwise  cast  of  the  mantle  described  by  the  semi-circular  outline,  not  its 
form.  His  commentator  fails  not  to  remark  this  error  of  perhaps  a  too  rapid 
reading,  or  of  the  prejudice  of  theory  or  the  near-sightedness  caused  by  precon- 
ceived opinions  ;  and  he  adds  :  "  Deutlich  sieht  man  die  halbzirkelformige 
Gestalt  des  Toga  an  den  Statnen,  wo  sie  zwey  Enden  (oder  Winkel)  macht, 
das  cine  vor,  das  andere  hinter  der  Person,  welche  die  Togatragt."  GescJi.  der 
Kunst  des  Alterlhums,  Buch  VI.  c.  3  (Werke,  5r  Bd.  s.  72  u.  377.— Dresden,  in 
8°  1812.) 

t  From  that  wonderful  people,  the  Etruscans,  the  Romans,  in  all  proba- 
bility, derived,  not  only  the  cnrule  chair,  the  lictors  and  fasces,  the  purple  and 
the  painted  vestment,  and,  I  may  add,  the  sceptre  with  its  eagle,  of  their  rulers, 
but  also  the  toga,  the  prototype  of  which  (in  its  rude  and  scantier  shape,  not  in 
its  perfection,)  may  be  seen  in  certain  monuments  of  that  ancient  race.  See 
Tav.  31  in  Ferrario  :  Costume,  ant.  t  mod.  vol.  5  (Firenze,  1828,  in  8°)  p.  1G3. 
In  another  plate,  Tav.  3.  (t'6.  p.  62,)  we  have  a  group  of  figures,  well-drawn,  of 
whick  one  wears  a  toga,  or  mantle  corresponding  thereto,  the  part  over  the 
left  shoulder  being  grasped  by  the  right  hand,  as  if  to  bold  it  there,  as  is  often 
seen  with  those  who  wear  the  Spanish  cloak,  (cf.  Tav.  5.  ib.  p.  74.)  But  the 


VIRGINIA  183 

(De  Judiciis  lib.  III.  c.  18.—  op.  Graev.  in  Thesaur.  Antiq.  supra  cit. 
vol.  II.  p.  814),  gives  us  the  choice  between  the  semicircular  and  the 
quadrate  form,  though  he  appears  to  lean  judiciously  to  the  former,  as 
the  proper  cut : —  "  Toga  amictus  fuit  exterior,  a  tegendo,  ut  scribit 
Varro,  corpore  appellata.  Hscc  fait  lanea,  semicircularis,  tunica  supe- 
rior, ad  talos  fluens,  eademque  aperta ....  Semicircularem  docet  Diony- 
sius  in  Frisco,  cum  scribit,  togam  pictam  amictum"  etc.  [as  above] ; 
"  et  Isidorus  libro  xix.  scribens,  togam  pallium,  esse  purum  forma  ro- 
tunda; mensura  vero  togce  justce  esse  sex  i/lnas."  It  will  be  observed 
that  he  does  not  remark  the  difference  between  the  round  of  Isidore,  and 
the  half-circle  of  Dionysius.  They  are  in  fact,  as  I  have  tried  to  show, 
the  same  thing  so  far  as  the  different  amplitude  of  the  garment  allows 
it.  "  Contra  vero  quadratum  fuisse  monuit  Athenaeus  lib.  5°,  cum  in- 
quit  :  Eomani  in  Asia,  ut  vim  Mithridatis  effugerunt,  ad  templa  confu- 
gerunt,  et,  quadratis  vestlmentis  abjectis,  pallia  sumpserunt.  Togas 
autem  eas  fuisse,  Cicero  indicat  in  Oratione  pro  Postumo  :  P.  Rutilium, 
inquit,  facilius  certe  necessitatis  excusatio  defendet,  qui,  cum  a  Mithridate 
Mitylenis  ojipressus  esset,  crudelitatem  regis  in  togatos  vestitus  mutatione 
•vltavit,  tie."  See  the  whole  chapter,  which  is  full  of  interest  and  in- 
struction. However,  without  the  supposed  corroboration  of  Cicero,  the 
citation  from  Athenacus  would  be  obviously  of  no  account,  and  I  am 
not  sure  it  would  be  difficult  to  explain  away  the  testimony  even  of  the 
former.  It  was  one  of  the  military  cloaks  that  is  intended  by  Athenaeus. 


centre  and  helmed  figure,  with  the  two  lictors  in  tunics  preceding  him  with 
their  fasces,  the  first  one  holding  also  in  his  right  hand  a  single  rod,  wears,  if  he 
rejiresent  a  chief  Lucumon  or  Etruscan  king,  the  trabea,  with  its  stud  or  but- 
ton in  the  centre,  which,  by  those  who  like  the  Abbe  Magnetti  {Cost.  Elms.,  in 
Ferrar.,  vol.  cit.  p.  67.)  consider  the  davits  as  such  a  stud,  may  be  considered 
the  origin  of  that  ornament  of  rank  with  the  Komans.  Dionysius  may  have 
drawn  on  his  imagination  for  the  identity,  in  form,  of  the  royal  garment  with 
the  toga  ;  but  it  is  sufficient  for  the  argument,  that  he  must  have  been  familiar 
with  the  shape  of  the  Eoman  mantle,  and  that,  doubly  defining  it,  by  its  Latin 
and  Greek  name,  he  makes  it  to  have  been  half-circular. 


184  NOTES  TO 

As  Cicero,  like  other  Roman  writers,  uses  "  toga"  often  figuratively  for 
peace,  and  makes  it  the  very  emblem  of  public  tranquillity  and  freedom 
from  warfare,*  he  could  mean,  one  would  think,  in  employing  in  that 
passage  the  phrase  togatos,  but  to  express  the  gens  togata,  the  Romans, 
as  a  people  the  object  of  Mithridates'  hatred,  not  in  that  particular  in- 
stance where  it  would  be  even  absurd  to  suppose  they  wore  the  mantle 
of  civil  life.f  Toga  vero  Eomani  in  face  uiebantur,  in  bello  paluda- 
mentis.  (  Vet.  Schol.  in  Pers.  v.  14. — where,  as  is  often  done,  paluda- 
mentum  is  made  synonymous  with  sagum.\)  Toga  as  a  phrase  was 


*  "Non  dixi"  [lie  is  speaking  in  reference  to  his  use  of  the  phrase  Cedant 
arma  togce]  "  hanc  togam  qua  sum  amictus  . . .  sed,  quod  pads  est  insigne  et 
otii,  toga."  Oral,  in  L.  Pison.  c.  30. — p.  70  Op.  ed.  Bipont.  t.  vi.  Again,  speak- 
ing of  certain  habitual  ornaments  of  discourse, — "  togam  pro  pace."  De 
Orator.  III.  42.  (p.  266  t.  ti.  ed.cit.) 

It  is  unnecessary  to  accumulate  evidence  of  a  fact  so  familiar ;  I  will  add 
only,  that  in  times  of  great  danger,  the  Republic  being  in  actual  war,  the  man- 
tle was  changed  in  the  city  itself  for  the  scantier  and  less  stately  military  cloak 
(sagum).  See  sub-note  J. 

t  Yet,  taken  in  connection  with  what  directly  precedes  it  in  the  oration  for 
Rabirius  ("  Fecerat  temere," — and  so  on,  through  the  page, — 144  t.  vi,  Oper. ; 
ed.  cit.)  the  passage  is  one  of  perplexity.  Aldus  Manutius  (ubi  cit.  p. 
1202)  tells  us  that  according  to  Plutarch  the  ancients  fought  in  the  toga  girded. 
Referring  to  the  passage,  which  is  in  Coriolanus,  I  find  it  unmistakable,  even 
allowing  for  the  time  in  which  he  wrote,  when  the  toga  had  fallen  into  consid- 
erable disuse,  and  for  what  he  avows  to  have  been  his  imperfect  knowledge  of 
the  Roman  tongue.  Hy  5e  tore  rots  "Potatoes  eflos,  ei?  rafty  AcaSeora/ntvois,  KOI 
/xeAAoKTi  TOIS  flupeois  avaXaii^aveiv,  (cat  Trept  f  la  vvvtrSai  TTJV  rr]fifi>vov, 
ajia  K<U  SiaBrjxas  aypa<J>ovs  •yevecrflai,  it.  r.  A.  (Oper.  t.  i.  p.  217.  ed  Xyland. 
Francof.'in  fol.  1599.)  My  limits,  already  greatly  extended,  do  not  permit  me 
to  examine  this  question  further.  I  will  but  add,  that  if  the  toga  were  short 
and  scanty  (as  it  must  have  been  with  the  poor),  it  could  have  been  girded,  and 
thus  made  literally  succinct,  as  with  the  troops  in  Plutarch.  See  sub-note  be- 
low, which  appears  to  furnish,  in  the  assertion  of  Rubenius,  a  conjectural  solu- 
tion of  the  dimcultyi 
t  Sagum  and  paludamenlum,  frequently  put  reciprocally  for  the  same  outer- 


VIRGINIA  185 

used  constantly  in  opposition  to  war,  the  pursuits  of  war,  and  the  habil- 
iments of  war;  of  which  it  would  be  superfluous  to  cite  instances  ;  and 
togati  absolutely  to  express  the  Roman  citizens,  not  soldiers,  as  in 
this  very  story  in  Livy,  after  the  catastrophe  and  Virginius'  appeal  in 
the  camp  :  "  Immisti  turbse  militum  togati."  Ill,  50  (t.  i.  p.  293.  Elsev.). 

As  to  the  size  of  the  toga,  the  variety  in  which  needs  hardly  any  ar- 
gument or  citation  of  authorities,  it  is  discussed  by  Aldus  Minutius : 
(ut  supra  p.  1198.)  The  six  ells  assigned  to  its  just  measure,  were  of 
the  ample  cloak  undoubtedly,  and  not  of  such  as  Cato  wore.  A 
Spanish  mantle  that  is  circular  will  contain  seven  yards  of  broadcloth. 
Cicognara  makes  the  diameter  of  the  semicircle  about  three  times  the 
statue  of  a  man,  and  in  the  broadest  part  its  width  about  a  third.* 
That  it  reached  to  the  heels,  as  Sigonius  describes  it,  may  be  said  to 
have  been  impossible,  because  impracticable,  for  ordinary  wear.  That 
error,  like  the  description  of  its  passing  under  the  right  arm,  comes 
from  the  observation  of  statues. 

The  material  was  wool,  as  indeed  with  all  the  garments,  except  of 
the  priests,  during  the  earlier  days  of  the  Eepublic.  It  was  without 
color  (pura)  for  the  ordinary  citizen;  but  in  persons  of  rank  there  was 
an  insertion  or  embroidery  of  purple  called  the  clavus.^ 


garment,  corresponded  with  the  Greek  clilamys,  and  like  it  were  fastened  with 
a  clasp  or  brooch,  usually  on  the  right  shoulder,  leaving  the  arm  on  that  side 
bare.  But  it  might  be  shifted,  that  is,  the  mantle  be  clasped  to  the  left,  or  the 
clasp  brought  to  the  middle.  Its  length  varied,  and  it  may  be  supposed  to 
have  been  worn  both,  fuller  and  longer  by  men  of  rank,  as  in  the  paludamenta 
of  the  Emperors.  Rubens  (for  it  is  the  son  of  the  great  painter  who  is  known 
as  Rubenius)  gives  us  the  figure  of  the  chlamys,— very  much  resembling  a 
wide-bottomed  petticoat  of  the  present  mode.  He  considers  the  toga  as  not 
differing  much  hi  form  from  this,  the  clilamys,  except  in  magnitude  and  its  cast. 
"Togam  Romanam  haud  multum  forma  a  chlamyde  diversam  fuisse,  sed 
magnitudine  solum  et  circumjectu,  existimo."  (De  He  Vestiaria :  lib.  II.  c.  8. — 
Graev.  Thes.  vi.  1018.)  "Will  this  help  to  explain  the  doubtful  phrase  in  Cicero, 
and  the  one  still  more  perplexing  in  Plutarch  ? 

*  Storia  della  Scultura,  I.e.  5:  (  Venez.  in  fol.  1813.  t.  i.  p.  81.) 

t  Grasvius,  in  the  preface  of  his  6th  volume,  shows,  as  he  himself  says 


186  NOTES  TO 


As  to  the  right  arm's  beiug  left  free,  of  which  I  have  just  spoken,  it 
is  probable  that  this  was  only  the  mode  adopted  by  orators.  Were  one 
to  speak  in  any  cloak  whatever,  he  would  naturally,  I  might  almost  say 
necessarily,  free  the  right  arm  precisely  as  we  see  it  often  (not  always) 
in  statues.  But  that  it  was  so  worn  on  other  occasions,  and  espe- 
cially in  the  streets,  is  not  more  probable  than  it  would  be  were  one, 
who  had  been  in  Spain,  to  assume  that  such  was  the  mode  of  wearing 
the  mantle  there.  The  length  alone  would  prohibit  it,  because  when  so 
worn  it  would  touch  the  ground  precisely  as  we  see  it  in  the  Augusta 
Togato  of  Visconti,  which  nevertheless,  and  though  in  a  rhetorical  atti- 
tude, has  the  right  shoulder  covered  by  the  mantle,  the  right  arm  being 
well  freed  by  the  depression  and  largeness  of  the  fold.* 


Kubenius  does,  beyond  the  possibility  of  skepticism,  that  the  clavi  were  stripes 
inwoven  or  embroidered  in  the  toga.  "Clavos  fiiisse  lineas  ad  instar 
fasciarum,  oblongas  quadratas,  non  rotunda  frusta,  aut  pannos,  capitibus 
clavorum  similes,  tarn  certis  et  liquidis  argumentis  probare  miM  videtur 
Eubenius,  ut  ne  Pyrrho  quidem  de  hac  re  dubitare  possit. . . .  Tunica  laticlavia 
dicitur  Graecis  /u.e<ron-op<^vpos,  quK  in  medio purpuram  halet  intexlam,'"  etc.  etc. 
See  all  on  that  page  (it  is  not  numbered),  and,  further  on,  the  two  following 
pages  and  part  of  the  next. 

A  more  modern  authority  is  just  as  positive  "  that  the  terms  arose  from 
the  figure  of  the  clavus  (a  stud)  on  the  dress."  Fuss  (Rom.  Antiq.—Tra.ns\. 
Sect.  452.,  Oxf.  in  8°.  1840.  p.  521).  He  adds  :  "  A  passage  in  Horace,  Sat  1.  6, 
28,  seems  to  prove  that  it  was  worn  on  the  breast,"  and  quotes : 

"  Nam  ut  quisque  insanus  nigris  medium  impediit  cms 
Pellibus,  et  latum  demisit  pectore  clavum." 

To  correct  so  strange  a  surmise,  it  is  merely  necessary  to  quote  the  gloss  of 
Torrentius.  "  Demisit :  redo  ordine  descendebant  insuti  clavi,  vel  inlexti." 

*  See  the  representation  of  this  very  noble  statue,  probably  of  Greek  art,  in 
the  Jfuseo  Pio-Clementino,  (Koma  1784,)  Tav.  xlv.  Tom.  II. ;  with  note  (6) 
p.  92.  A  copy  of  this  sumptuous  work  will  be  found  in  the  Astor  Library.  The 
figure  is  imitated  on  a  smaller  scale  in  Ferrario  (Costume,  ec.  V.  Tav.  7),  where 
the  want  of  accuracy  of  the  designer  has  actually  added  to  the  majesty  and 
breadth  of  effect  which  distinguish  the  original. 


VIRGINIA  187 


Merely  adding,  for  the  benefit  of  the  actor,  the  judicious  advice  of 
Quintilian,  not  to  let  the  side  that  is  thrown  over  the  shoulder  descend 
lower  in  front  than  the  middle  of  the  leg  nor  behind  so  low  as  the  hips, 
I  will  conclude  this  too-long  essay  on  what  was  the  distinguishing 
outer  characteristic  of  Roman  citizens,  and  continued  so  while  Rome 
retained  her  liberty,  by  quoting  from  Cicognara:  "  Non  eravi  in  Roma 
distinzione  piu  onorevole  della  toga.  GP  imperatori  la  vestivono,  e 
Cesare  stesso  era  di  quella  coperto  allorche  fu  assassinato  in  Senato. 
(Sueton.  in  Caes.  c.  82.)  Settimio  Severe,  che  arrivo  alle  porte  di  Roma 
in  abito  militare,  smonto  da  cavallo  ed  entro  in  citta  alia  testa  delle  sue 
truppe  dopo  d'  esservi  rivestito  della  toga.  (Dion.  Cass.  Hist.  Rom. 
1. 1.  xxiv.)"  Sioria  ec.,  I.  c.  5.  p.  87.  The  last  sentence  is  worthy  of 
note  as  confirming  by  an  example  the  essential  character  of  the  toga,  as 
a  civil  garment  only  and  robe  of  peace. 

5. — P.  91.  Not  at  least  Till  Hymen's  torch  is  liglited,  etc.]  This 
reading,  as  being  the  simplest  and  most  directly  intelligible,  is  I  think 
the  best  also  for  the  Stage.  But  if  a  more  florid  and  elaborate  one  be 
preferred,  it  may  be  adopted  as  follows : 

lea.  Not  at  least 

Till  Hesper  rising  bids  the  five-fold  torch 
Of  Love  be  lighted,  and  the  deck'd  couch  is  spread 
Here  in  the  hall,  and  thy  cheeks'  blushes,  deepening 
Under  the  saffron  veil,  make  pale  the  flowers 
That  crown  thy  locks,  and  o'er  thy  yellow  shoes 
Flows  the  white  stole  whose  purple  fringe  I  am  weaving,  — 
When  girded,  elc. 


lea.  Till  the  star 

Of  evening  rising  bids  the  five-fold  torch 
Of  Hymen  kindle,  etc.  (as  above)  : 

while  again,  the  text  may  be  further  simplified  for  general  ears,  by  sub- 
stituting after  the  colon  in  the  fourth  line : 


188  NOTES  TO 

.  .  .  when  deeper  glows  thy  cheek 
Under  the  veil,  and  the  long  rob!  enwraps  thee, 

(or,  as  in  the  text,  "  and  the  fring'd  robe  is  on  thee,")  etc. 

6. — P.  93.  Full  five  denarii,  IMS  consumed  my  all.}  Or  read :  "  Full 
twenty  sesterces,  consumes  my  all ;"  which  will  be  familiar  enough. 
The  denarius  was  equal  to  ten  asses  (the  as  representing  at  that  time  a 
pound  of  brass).  And  originally  the  verse  redd,  "  Full  fifty  asses,  etc." 
But  this  would  have  had  an  equivocal  sound  for  an  audience. 

7. — P.  95.  Alas,  I  weep  not  therefore,  etc.]  For  the  Stage,  omit  from 
this  verse  to  the  half-verse,  "  Fa.  To  this  stranger,"  inclusive. 

8. — P.  101.  . . .  he  frowns,  etc.]  For  the  Stage,  if  the  Actor  of  Icil- 
ius  be  tall, — "  he  towers." 

9. — P.  104.  Which  soon  will  pale  but  one,  arid  ported  bare.]  For  the 
Stage,  may  be  substituted  the  more  ordinary : 

Ere  long  to  encircle  one,  and  carried  bare. 

But  the  elevated  language  of  the  text  is  better  suited  to  the  occasion 
and  the  man. 

10. — P.  105.  And  made  the  street  Accursed  to  this  day  /]  Accord- 
ing to  the  well-known  story,  which  is  probably  the  exaggeration  of  the 
sequel  of  an  atrocious  deed,  it  was  the  wife  of  Tarquin,  Servius'  own 
daughter,  who  drove  over  the  body  of  the  murdered  king.  Dionysius 
tells  the  tale  with  considerable  effect,  which  would  have  been  height- 
ened but  for  his  mania  of  putting  speeches  into  the  mouths  of  all  his 
characters;  how,  when  the  body  was  yet  palpitating  (ffiraipovTos), 
the  fiendish  woman  forced  the  reluctant  charioteer  to  drive  over  it  in 
the  narrow  street,  striking  him,  in  her  fury,  with  the  foot-bench.  The 


VIRGINIA  189 


change  in  the  name  of  the  street  is  then  told : —  'Ovros  6 
oA0tos*  Ka\.ou/j.eyos  irporepov,  e£  eKfivov  TOV  Seivou  KCU  fj.vffa.pov 
ira&ovs  afff^Tjs  VTTO  'Poytaiwj'  Kara  TI\V  Trarpioy  y\wrrav  KO\ftrai. 
Diox.  HAL.  Antiq.  IV.  xxxix.  p.  233  t.  i.  e<f.  supra,  cit. 

Livy's  account,  "  Creditor,  etc."  (lib.  I.e.  48.  t.  i. p.  56,  Twiss ;  p. 71, 
JSipont ;  p.  97,  Gronov.)  is  worth  reading,  because,  from  a  certain  pre- 
ciseness  of  detail,  it  carries  you  to  the  scene  and  with  the  actor.  He 
proceeds:  " Sceleratum  vicum  vocant,  quo  amens,  agitantibus  furiis 
sororis  ac  viri,  Tullia  per  patris  corpus  carpentum  egisse  fatur,"  etc. 

a. — P.  111.  Venus  Cloacina.]  The  origin  of  this  strange  title,  ac- 
cording to  Lactantius  (de  Falsa  Relig.  lib.  i, — as  cited  in  the  Elzevir 
Livy,  t.  i.  p.  189),  was  as  follows :  "  Cloacinse  simulacrum  in  Cloaca 
maxima  Tatius  consecravit,  et,  quia  cujus  effigies  ignorabat,  ex  loco  illi 
nomen  imposuit." 

11. — P.  108.  —  in  their  tunics.]  Under  the  toga  was  worn  the 
tunic,  which  at  first  was  without  sleeves.f  It  was  girt  around  the 
waist,  and  descended  about  to  the  knee :  "  Nam  infra  mulierum  est, 
supra  centurionum.  (QuiXT.  Orat.  XI.  ed.  cit.  p.  517.)  This  was  worn 
by  all  ranks,  and  with  the  common  people  was  their  sole  garment.  But 


*  A  note  in  Drakenborch's  Livy  (ed.  Twiss)  at  the  corresponding  passage 
will  be  useful  here.  Speaking  of  the  name  in  Livy,  "  Urlium,  vulgo  Virbium, 
qui  baud  procul  Bovillis  fuit,  (Pers.  Sat.  vi.  55"  [where  see  Vet.  ScJiol.])  it  pro- 
ceeds :  "  Orbium  videtur  velle  Festus  '  cui  noiaen  a  flexuosis  orbibus.'  Huic 
cognomen  Scelerati  hsesisse  probabile  est ;  certe  non  Cyprio  Vico"  [as  in  some 
edd.  of  Dionya.],  ut  constat  ex  Varr.  de  L.  L.  iv.  qui  Sceleralum  vicum  baud 
procul  Cyprio  fuit."  See  also  in  tbe  elegant  Elzevir  ed.  (Gronov.)  of  1679,  tbe 
note  on  the  same  term  ;  t.  i.  p.  97. 

t  When  worn,  tbey  did  not  descend  further  than  the  elbow,  usually  not  so 
far.  "  I  soli  plebei  vili,  e  gli  uomini  infami  usavano  le  maniche  lungbe,  come 
Bi  vede  dagli  arcbi  di  Tito  e  di  Constantino."  LEVATI.  Cost,  dei  JRom.  in 
Ferrario  :  Cost.  ec.  V.  613. 


190  NOTES   TO 

as  the  knights  and  senators  wore  the  toga  with  a  stripe  of  purple, 
those  narrower,  these  wider,  so  the  tunic  was,  with  them,  likewise 
distinguished.*  Hence  Icttius,  a  little  earlier  in  the  text,  says  to 
Lucretius  : 

"  And  they  please  me  little  ; 
As  does  thy  purpled  tunic,  which  they  suit." 

In  the  bust,  supposed  of  Junius  Brutus,  (Vise.  Iconogr.  Horn.  I.  PL  2. 
and  expl.  ch.  2.,  p.  16 :  Paris,  in  fol.,  1817,)  we  see  the  tunic  very  full, 
making  numerous  plaits,  as  compressed  by  the  toga. 

In  saying  that  this  body-garment  was  the  only  dress  of  the  common 
people,  it  must  be  understood,  at  all  ordinary  times ;  for  on  solemn 
occasions  it  is  not  to  be  supposed  that  even  the  lower  classes,  except 
the  very  poor,  were  without  the  upper  vestment  which  was  the  distin- 


*  Tunica.  "Hsec  angustior  ct  brevior  quam  toga  fuit,  ac  primuin  sine 
manicis,  deinde  manicata,  ac  cinctura  constricta  est. 

"  Cum  ergo  cives  omnes  Komani  tunica  uterentur,  factum  est,  ut  tunica? 
ordines  distinxerint :  nam  senatores  et  equites  tunicam  clavatam  induerunt, 
plebs  rectam"  [puram,3  h.  e. — colorless]  et  sine  clavis.  Clavata  tunica  fuit, 
qua  clavos  purpureos  intextos  habuit,  aut  latos  aut  angustos.  Fucrunt  autcm 
clavi,  quasi  flores  panno  intexti  b  .  . . .  CsBterum  tunica  latos  clavos  purpureos 
intextos  habens,  quae  et  latus  clavus  et  tunica  lati  clavi  dicta  est,  propria  fuit 
senatorum  atque  amplissimi  ordinis  insigne."  CAR.  SIGON.  in.Grxv.  Tltes.  ubi 
cit.  c.  xix.  p.  820  sq. 

See  also  the  whole  of  that  chapter.  Sigonius  quotes  there  so  amply  aud  so 
aptly  that  the  interest  it  excites  is  unusual. 

"...  De  tunica  lati  clavi  purpurea  . . .  satis  aperta . .  .  significatio  in  hoc  Ovidii 
versu: 

"  Jnduiturque  humeris  cum  lato  purpura  clavo."  ALD.  MAN.  u.  c.  p.  1206. 


•  "  Toga  pura  fuit   communis   toga  hominorum  privalorum,  eorumque 
virorum.    Itaque  etiam  virilis  est  appcllata.     A.cpura  quidcm  dicta,  quod  albi 
coloris  csset,  nnlla  admista  purpura."    SIGOX.  ubi  supra,  p.  816. 
"Toga,  pura,  virilis,  libera,  recta,  eadcm  erat."    ALD.  MAXCT.  ib.  p.  1192. 

h  See,  above,  sub-note  t  on  p.  185,  37. 


VIRGINIA  191 


guishing  garb  of  a  Koman  citizen.*  Thus  (a  little  below  in  the  text), 
Icilius  bids  the  Citizens,  that  is,  the  more  substantial  among  them,  put 
on  their  mantles.  It  was  in  fact,  in  that  great  city  of  the  olden  day,  as 
you  may  see  it  now,  in  London  for  example,  where  grooms  and  several 
others  of  the  lower  classes  go  in  their  sleeved  waistcoats  in  ordinary ; 
only,  the  Roman  wore  no  shirt  under  his  tunic,  that  being,  even  for  the 
rich,  the  sanitary  comfort  of  a  later  day  which  saw  the  introduction  or 
the  familiar  use  of  linen  and  cotton.  Nature  is  the  same  everywhere 
and  at  all  times,  rising  above  fashions  or  modifying  their  conditions. 
Keeping  this  fact  in  view,  we  shall  seldom  be  mystified  by  the  conjec- 
tures and  disputes  of  antiquaries.  In  modern  times,  vulgar  men,  or 
men  who  love  their  ease  more  than  elegance  or  decorum,  take  off  their 
common  coat  in-doors  and  sit  in  their  vest  and  shirt-sleeves.  Wore 
they  woolen  tunics  only,  we  should  have  in  these  the  ancient  Roman, 
who  knew  not  the  convenience,  except  in  military  life,  of  a  succinct 
upper-garment. 

12. — P.  113.  Why  did  I  make  that  law  ?  What  is  plebeian,  That 
fiesh  patrician  may  not  mate  with  it  ?]  'fls  Se  OVK  riSvvaro  irpos  ya.fji.ov 
avrrjv  \a&fiv,  eKeivrjv  re  bpiav  eyyeyvrifj-evriv  erepcp,  /cat  avros  yvvaiKa. 
•yccyueTTjv  •  KO.I  apa  ovS'  a^icav  e/c  SrifnoTiKov  yevovs  apuoffcurSai  yapov, 
&t>  avros  ev  rais  8&)5e/ca  Se\rois  cweypatfe,  K.  r.  \.  DION.  HAL.  Ant.  jR. 
XI.  xxviii.  (Op.  ed.  cit.  t.  i.  p.  676.) 

"Jam  et  processerat  pars  major  anni,  et  duae  tabulae  legum  ad 
prioris  anni  decem  tabulas  erant  adjectae."  Liv.  Hist.  III.  c.  37. 
(t.  I.  p.  186,  ed.  cit.) 

Cicero  speaks  of  this  characteristic  law  in  one  of  the  defective 
chapters  of  his  Republic  (II.  37.  NoVbe,  ex  recens.  Ernest.  Lips.  16°. 


*  "Itaque  objicias  licet,  quam  voles  ssepc,  palliatum  fuisso,  aliqua  Uabuisse 
non  Romani  liominis  insignia  etc."  Orat.  pro  Rabirio.  The  whole  passage 
(p.  191,  Cic.  Op.  Bipont.  t.  vi.)  is  worth  reading,  as  illustrating  the  tenacity 
•with  which  the  Romans  held  to  the  wearing  of  the  toga  as  characteristic  of 
their  people,  even  in  the  days  of  Cicero. 


192  NOTES  TO 

1827)  :  a  chapter  which  incidentally  refers  to  the  subject-story  of  thia 
Tragedy.  "Ergo  horum  ex  injustitia"  [Decemviror.  sc.]  "  subito 
exorta  est  maxima  perturbatio  et  totius  commutatio  rei  publicae :  qui, 
duabus  tabulis  iniquarum  legum  additis,  quibus,  etiam  qiuc  disjunctis 
populis  tribui  solent  connubia,  luec  illi  ut  ne  plebei  cum  patribus 
essent,  iuhuinamssima  lege  sanxerunt;  quse  postea  plebeiscito  Canuleio 
abrogata  est :  libidinoseque  omni  imperio  et  acerbe  et  avare  populo 
praefuerunt." 

13. — P.  115.  'Tis  Virginius1  daughter!  Num.  Gods!  we  are  too 
late.}  The  passage  may  read  thus : 

T  is  Virginias'  daughter ! 

Icil.  Gods ! [springing forward  in  the  di- 
rection of  the  found. 
Num.  "We  are  too  late,  [following,  etc. 

But  it  is  more  consistent  with  the  character  of  Icilius,  that  he  should 
not  exclaim,  but  act  at  once,  as  I  have  made  him  in  the  text ;  —  where, 
if  preferred,  Numit.'s  part  may  read,  "  0 !  we  are  too  late." 

14. — P.  118.  Romans!  freemen!  brothers!  Ye  know  me ;  I  have 
never  spoken  false.  This  is  Virginius'  daughter,'  etc.]  Between 
the  second  and  third  lines  of  this  appeal,  I  had  written  two  other 
verses.  They  may  be  restored,  if  judged  advisable ;  the  passage 
reading  thus : 

1  have  never  spoken  false. 

Look  on  this  tender  maid,  half-dead  with  shame 
To  be  so  branded.    Has  a  slave  such  mien  ? 
It  is  Virginius'  daughter ;  etc. 

15. — P.  119.  Ifthou  dare  touch  her,  though  it  be  the  form, — ]  Or,  more 
directly  intelligible  perhaps,  thus  : 

If  thou  dare  touch  her,  though  the  form  require  it : 
(Marcu*,  namely,  putting  forth  his  hand  to  touch  the  shoulder  of 


VIRGINIA  193 

Virginia,  as  the  formality  exacted  on  such  occasions.)  But  what 
Marcus  says,  himself,  presently,  may  render  the  meaning  plain  enough : 

let  me  wave  the  form. 

16. — P.  119.  Now,  tnj  the  manes,  etc.]  The  actor  may  read :"  Now 
by  the  ashes,"  etc. ;  though  the  former  word  should  be  sufficiently 
familiar. 

17. — P.  120.  By  the  same  law,  assert  her  to  be  free,  And  as  her 
guardian,  in  the  father's  room,  Demand  the  right  to  lead  her  where 
I  will.}  Or: 

By  the  same  law,  assert  her  unto  freedom, 

And  as  her  guardian  claim  the  natural  right,  [or, 

claim  prescriptive  right.] 
She  being  born  free,  to  take  her  whence  she  came. 

But  the  legal  phrase,  "  assert  her  unto  freedom,"  though  more  strictly 
Roman,  would  not  be  directly  understood  from  the  stage. —  The  last 
line  of  the  text :  "  Demand  the  right,  etc.,"  may  be  redd, 

Claim  natural  right  to  reconduct  her  home. 

18. — P.  124.  Arrest,  etc.]  The  naturalness  is  marred  in  this  and  the 
preceding  line  metri  grat.  Omit  for  the  Stage  the  last  word  in  either 
verse.  But  in  the  second  may  be  redd :  "  Seize  him,  bind,  or  slay !" 

19. — P.  125.  But  who  are  surety  that  the  girl  appear?}  This  verse, 
with  the  four  in  connection,  directly  before  and  after  it,  may  be  thus 
modified : — 

Num.  My  son,  that  was  not  wise. 
Sec  !  they  have  taken  alarm. 

Marc.  Be  't,  great  decemvir : 
I  ask  but  justice.    Meantime,  that  the  girl 
May  be  forthcoming,  let  the  friends  find  bail. 
Val.  Here !    Lucius  Valerius. 

Jlor.  And  Horatius,  here ! 
9 


194  NOTES   TO 

,  And  here ! 
People.    >  And  here  ! 

And  all  of  us ! 

Which  perhaps  would  be  the  better  reading  for  the  Stage,  because  it 
expresses  more  distinctly  that  requirement  of  the  Roman  law,  which 
we  have,  among  so  many  others,  borrowed  ;  the  word  "  bail"  exciting 
at  once  in  the  minds  of  the  audience  a  familiar  image. 
Or  again  : 

See  where  the  pander,  etc. 

Marc.  Be  't  great  decemvir  1    Meantime,  let  the  friends 
Give  surety  that  the  maiden  re-appear. 

Or: 

I  ask  but  justice.    Meantime,  that  the  girl 
May  be  forthcoming,  let  the  friends  find  bail. 

20. — P.  127.  App.  Watts  no  one  more  for  justice  ?  Lictors,  more. 
(Rises,  and  etc.]  Otherwise,  omitting  this  last  verse,  where  Appiutf 
"  Waits  no  one  more  for  justice  ?"  might  excite  a  smile  : 

APPICS,  looking  from  side  to  side  for  a  moment,  rises  slowly, 

and  as  he  turns,  about  to  descend  the  tribunal, 

the  Drop  falls. 

21  — P.  128.  'T  were  lest  not  ask  me.  (carelessly.]  Or :  "I  am  not 
Pontiff,  [coldly."  But  this  would  need  more  knowledge  of  the  Roman 
religion  than  the  audience  in  general  can  have.  —  For  "  Think'st  thou 
there  be  Furies  ?"  may  be  redd,  "  Believ'st  thou  in  the  Furies  ?" 

22. — P.  130.  I  made  tliee  note  the  daughter's  beauty — ]  — "  Virginia's 
beauty  "  is  preferable :  but  from  the  Stage,  the  enunciation  of  "  Vir- 
ginius,"  almost  directly  after,  would  be  unpleasant,  from  the  want  of  a 
sufficiently  sensible  difference  between  the  sotinds. 

23. — P.  131.     Torture  his  pride  !  etc.  etc.  to  end  of  Scene.]  Or,  omit- 


VIRGINIA  195 


ting  these  five  last  Hues,  make  Marcus'  Exit  at  "  thrown  away,"  and 
Livia's  after  "  Thou  shalt  see,"  (two  lines  above.)  This  is  more  in  the 
true  spirit  of  tragedy  (as  I  conceive  it) ;  in  which  any  sarcasm,  that 
shall  excite  even  a  smile  in  the  audience,  is  misplaced. 

24.— P.  135.  Whose  tutelar-gods  thy  mother's  girlhood  knew—] 
This  line  may  be  omitted  ;  and  so,  which  is  the  original  conception,  it 
better  suits  the  rapidity  of  Icilius'  present  manner.  "Await  with  him 
thy  sire,"  may  read,  "  Await  thy  troubled  sire." 

Otherwise  again,  the  whole  passage  may  read  thus : 

And  the  black  gore  drip  downwards !  —    No  more  sorrow  ! 

Come,  my  Virginia,  let  us  sock  the  hall. 

There,  by  thy  uncle's  tutelar  gods,  with  him 

Await  thy  father,  while  Icilius  goes 

To  stir  Home's  ashes.  —    "Why  this  sudden  change  ? 

Have  the  gods  heard  our  anguish  1    Let  tho  shadow 

Now  passing  from  my  heart  he  better  augury, 

And  thy  own  grim  forebodings  pass  away 

Like  the  night's  dreams. 

25.— P.  136.  Draws  his  hood,  etc.]  That  is,  of  thepenula  or  trav- 
eling-cloak. This  was  a  thick,  rough,  or  even  shaggy,  woolen  outer- 
garment  or  surtout,  used  as  a  protection  against  the  weather.  Hence 
often  worn  in  the  theatres,  like  the  lacerna  ;  especially  in  winter.  We 
read  of  it  most  frequently  as  a  defence  against  rain.  The  pompous 
lines  of  Juvenal  to  that  import  (I.  v.  79.)  will  readily  be  remembered: 

"  fremeret  sseva  cum  grandine  vernus 

Jupiter,  et  multo  stillaret  paonula  nimbo  :" 

as  also  the  witticism  of  Galba,  when  asked  to  lend  his  cloak  of  that 
description  :  "  Non  pluit,  non  est  opus  tibi ;  si  pluit,  ipse  utor."* 


*  See  OCT.  FKKBAE.    De  Re,  etc.    Pars  II.  Lib.  II.,  which  is  devoted  to 
the  subject,  (p.  823  sqq.  GKAEV.  Thes.  VI.) 

Penula.    "  Hoec  ex  lana  alba,  aut  ex  gausape  fuit  confecta,  pluvios  atque 


196  NOTES   TO 

26.— P.  139.     The  third  day  after  that  is  long  enough .']    This  verse 
may  be  omitted. 

27. — P.  142.    were  alone  Icttim'  only  sorrow  :]    "  Icilius'  heavy 

sorrow" — if  it  be  wished  to  avoid  the  apparent  tautology, — for  such  it 
is  only  at  first  sight :  but  the  original  reading,  which  is  that  of  the 
text,  is  far  preferable  in  every  respect ;  and  it  alone  expresses  my 
meaning. 

28. — P.  142.    that  they  love  their  wives.]  — "  that  they  love  their 

homes  [or,  hearths.]"  For  the  Stage,  perhaps ;  as  the  mass  of  an 
audience  catches  instantly  and  eagerly  at  the  faintest  shadow  of  the 
comic,  (which,  by  the  way,  is,  in  acting,  the  saving  grace  of  many  a 
bad  tragedy ;)  and,  as  I  said  before,  the  least  pleasantry  I  deem  to  be 
out  of  place  here. 


itineris  caussa,  non  toga;,  ut  lacernae,  scd  tunicse  superimposita."  CAB. 
SIOON.  De  Judiciis,  III,  18.— p.  819  Grtrv.  vol.  cit. 

Pxnula — "  habitus  hibcrnus  ac  viatorius,  et  ad  propulsandos  imbres,  cctcr- 
asque  asperioris  cceli  injurias,  peridoneus.  Fiebant  autem  paenulze  ex  crassi- 
ori  lana,  non  ex  tenuiori  prolixiorique  ut  togae."  Jo.  BAPT.  DONII  Diss.  de 
Vlraq.  Peenula  ;  in  Griev.  vol.  cit.  p.  1151. 

"  Erat  et  alia  paenula,  capitio  adjecto,  dc  qua  Plinius  1.  xxiv.,  ubi  peenu- 
larum  capitibus  centunculum  comparat :  Ilali,  inquit,  centunculum  vacant, 
rostralis  foliis,  ad  simililudinem  capitis  pienularum,  jacenlern  in  arvis.  BART. 
BARTHOLIN.  de  Ptenula.—p.  1172.  Griev.  etc. 

..."  Strictior  est  et  ejus  ora  quso  collum  ambit,  tarn  laxe  tamen  patens  ut 
caput  exeri  possit,  opcriri  aut  involvi.  Unde  Pomponius  in  Penicea :  Ptenulam 
in  caput  induce,  ne  te  noscat :"  (which  is  precisely  the  act  of  Virginius). —  Id., 
ib,  p.  1172.  ..."  Pars  vcntrem  spectans  aperta  est,  alioquin  vcstimentum 
clausum  et  rotundum  esset."  76.  He  adds  a  descriptive  figure. 

"La  penula  era  un  mantcllo  di  grossa  lana  adorno  di  frangie,  aperto  sola- 
mente  nella  partc  superiore  per  farvi  passare  la  testa.  Quello  de'  soldati  avea  il 
color  rosso,  quello  de'  cittadini  bruno.  Di  dietro  eravi  un  cappuccio,  col  quale 
coprivano  il  capo  nc'  tempi  piovosi."  LEVATI,  ubi  cit. 


VIRGINIA  197 


29. — P.  142.    I  seek  to  restore  the  tribunes.    Appius  said  it.] 

This  variety  in  the  rjthm  is  used  to  give  a  sudden  and  brief  rapidity 

to  the  enunciation.     If  the  Actor  prefer,  it  may  be  redd :    "  I  would 

restore  the  tribunes,"  etc. 


SO.— P.  142.  Alas  for  me!  their  poiver  suspended  trials.]  Or;  "Trib- 
3S !    Alas  !  their  power  could  put  off  trials." 


unes 


31. — P.  149.  — 't  would  cost  me  merely  life.]  Or,  with  an  allusion  to 
Virginia,  "  but  my  life."  And  for  the  last  words  of  Valerius,  to  which 
Icilius  makes  reply,  may  be  redd : 

"  to  keep  back  Spurius  Oppius. 

Courage,  Icilius !  when  the  sun  goes  down, 
Rome  will  be  free  :" 

which  pro-indicates  the  time  of  the  catastrophe. 

32. — P.  150.    —  that  shall   make  thee  his,     Senders   thy  sire  the 

proudest  in  all  Some.]    "  that  confirms  thee  his,    Will  make  thy 

sire,  etc." 

33. — P.  151.  All  other  shrines,  were  not  her  temple  heref}  "All 
other  homes,  were  not  her  mansion  here  ?" 

34.— P.  152.    Justice  no  more  shall  lend  her  snow-white  pall    To 

hood  Oppression ]    The  dress  of  the  Roman  women  consisted  of  the 

stole  (stola),  a  sleeved  garment,  which  corresponded  to  the  tunic  of  the 
men,  but  descended  to  the  feet,*  aud  the  "  pall"  (palla),  which  was  the 
Pallium  of  the  Greeks,  and,  worn  over  the  stole,  as  a  mantle,  corre- 
sponded to  the  toga  of  the  men.  Of  its  shape  there  is  dispute,  as  in 


*  "  La  tunica  lunga  con  lunghe  maniche,  come  vcdesi  nella  flglia  di  Niobe, 
6  quella  prccisamcntc  che  i  romani  poi  cluamarono  stola."  CICOON.  Sloria  della 
Scull.  I.  c.  5.-p.  77  t.  i. 


198  NOTES   TO 


regard  to  the  form  of  the  toga.  Wiukelmann  supposes  it  to  have  been 
round,  and  Ferrari  to  have  been  semicircular;  but  Cicognara  main- 
tains that  it  was  in  cut  a  parallelogram.*  That  it  was,  or  may  have 
been,  rectangular,  any  artist  may  ascertain  for  himself  by  trying  a 
sheet,  or  better  a  light  blanket,  which  will  enable  him  to  imitate  easily 
the  modes  of  wearing  this  dress  as  it  is  seen  in  statues.  With  a  very 
natural  action  the  pall  was  frequently  drawn  over  the  head,  sometimes 
merely  to  the  forehead,  sometimes  so  as  to  conceal  the  features  (as  with 
Virginia  in  the  entry  to  Act  v.  Sc.  3),  whence  the  expression  in  the  text ; 
which  however  may  be  redd  from  the  Stage  : 

"  Justice  no  more  stall  lend  her  snow-white  robe 
To  hood  Oppression." 

There  is  a  fine  line  of  Horace  (Serm.  I.  ii.  99)  which  describes  with  a 
single  touch  both  the  stole  and  pall : 

"  Ad  talos  stola  demissa,  et  circumdaia  palla." 

The  toga  was  worn  by  women  only  under  disreputable  circum- 
stances, of  which  the  Satire  cited  furnishes  more  than  one  illustration. 

On  the  color  of  the  stola,  see  the  note  of  Baxter  and  Zeunius  on  the 
36th  verse  of  the  same  Satire,  (p.  299,  ed.  Lond.  in  8°,  1809.)  It  cannot 
be  doubted  that  it  varied  at  different  times,  and  not  only  according  to 
the  rank  but  to  the  age  of  the  wearer.  A  maiden  of  Virginia's  youth, 
of  the  more  respectable  class  of  the  plebeians,  would  hardly  wear  any- 
thing but  white.  See  note  10,  p.  106,  Tav.  xx.  Antichitit,  di  Ercola.no. 
(fol.  1757.) 

Finally,  on  the  Palla,  consult  Octav.  Ferrar. :  Analecta  de  It.  V.  c. 
26. — p.  1103  sq.  in  Grew.  vol.  cit. 

35. — P.  152.  And  Publius'  own  are  fulgent  with  new  hope.]  "And 
Publius'  quiet  mien  is  full  of  hope." 


Sloria,  oc.  uli  supra.,  p.  79, 


VIRGINIA  199 


b.— P.  1GO.  —  in  a  mourning-cloak  — ]  The  Pallium  (palla, 
"  pall")  described  in  note  34. 

36. — P.  161.    J2ut,  being  taught  in  time   Her  falsehood  with,  etc.} 

"  But,  when  certain  proofs 
Taught  me  to  know  her  falsehood  with  that  man, 
Yon  Claudius,  plaintiif  here,  I  flung  her  off, 
As  I  would  fling  a  viper,  (see !  she  trembles  !) 
Never  having,  etc." 

And  above,  for  brought  from  taken  Antium,  "  taken  in  the  Volscian 
war." 

37. — P.  164.  — and  honor  now  But  little  known,  man  trusts  man's 
word  no  more — ]  Or, — "map  plights  his  word  no  more:"  which  is 
more  accurate  in  construction,  though  less  tragic  (stern  and  nervous) 
in  sound. 

38. — P.  100.  — Wherefore  Wear  ye  else  hidden  arms?}  "Else, 
Why  wear  ye  hidden  arms  ?" 

39. — P.  167.  — Such  the  law  Of  great  Valerius  mates  deserving 
death.} 

"  And  therefor 

May  by  the  great  Valerius'  law  be  slain 
By  any  hand  ;  law  natural  and  just." 

But  the  text  has  the  advantage  of  brevity. —  For  makes  in  the  text, 
may  be  redd  "  made."  But  it  is  less  forcible. 

40. — P.  167.     There  sits  your  Tarquin App.  But  thou  stand 'st 

not  Brutus.}  Perhaps  this  play  on  the  word,  though  bitter  and  stern 
on  the  part  of  the  speaker,  might  cause  a  smile  in  some  of  the  audience. 
It  may  read  then  :  "  But  thou  art  not  [or,  art  no]  Brnhis." 


200  NOTES   TO   VIRGINIA 


41. — P.  1G9.  Virginius  tJi^n  had  no  part  in  the  cheat !  Marcus  and 
Livia,  etc.  App.  Hut  little,  etc.]  The  first  line  may  be  omitted ;  which 
restores  the  part  to  its  original  conception.  And  again,  for  the  Stage, 
all  three  of  the  verses  may  be  thrown  out,  as  impeding  the  action. 

42. — P.  171.  Weeps?  For  ye  will  not,  etc.]  It  may  be  pointed, 
"  Weeps ;"  —  which  allows  the  actor  to  give  another  tone  to  the  expres- 
sion. I  think  the  reading  of  the  text  better  suits  the  character, 
although  the  energy,  and  fierceness  even,  of  the  exclamation,  make  the 
difference  scarcely  important. 

43. — P.  171.  A  fiction.  Appius  stoops  not  to  say  more.}  From 
here  to  Lictors,  make  room  —  to  be  omitted  on  the  Stage. 

44. — P.  175.    Lucius  —  my  Moved  —    Receive  —  my  last  Ireath . 

Father,  I —  die — pure.~\     Virginia's  dying  words  might  read  thus : 

"  Lucius  —  my  beloved  !  — 

T  was  at  thy  hand But  it  is  fitter  thus. 

Receive,  etc." 

But  Icilius  is  made  to  express  himself  too  nearly  in  the  same  man- 
ner with  regard  to  Appius  :  'Tis  better  thus. 


ADDITION   TO  NOTE  4,  ON   THE   FORM   OF   THE  TOGA. 

P.  181.— I  should  have  added  here  an  undernote  to  this  effect  :— 
Any  rectangular  piece  of  cloth  may  form  a  square,  a  circular,  or  a  semicircular  cloak,  ac- 
cording to  Its  amplitude,  on  which  depends  the  number  of  Its  gathers  at  the  shoulders.  The 
Spanish  mantle  owes  its  curve  to  this  arrangement  and  nothing  else.  Take  out  the  plaits  and 
it  Is  quadrilateral.  It  would  follow  then,  that,  could  we  suppose  the  same  condition  obtained 
with  the  toga,  that  is,  that  it  was  gathered  at  the  shoulders,  the  curvilinear  sweep  of  the  bottom 
edge  would  be  the  result,  not  of  its  cut,  but  of  its  disposition.  But  if  cut,  or  more  probably  wo- 
ven, not  drawn  into  shape,  it  must  have  made  not  the  half  of  a  circle  but  a  narrower  segment; 
for  thus  only  could  its  widest  part  equal  a  third  of  its  diameter.  A  cloth  so  fashioned  I  have 
essayed  on  a  layfigure,  and  found  it  easy  therewith  to  imitate  the  drapery  of  the  Avtmitut.  The 
right  side  envelops  twice  the  form,  passing  in  the  first  involution  under  the  right  arm,  and 
finally  over  it  at  the  shoulder :  a  hint  that  may  be  of  service  to  the  artist,  as  well  as  to  the 
actor.  The  effect  was  superb. 


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